Determining the risk perceptions, information and preventive behaviors related to COVID--19 disease of individuals in the 18-74 age group living in Antalya

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the risk perceptions, knowledge and preventive behaviors of individuals in the 18-74 age group living in Antalya regarding COVID-19. Method: This descriptive study was conducted with 1000 people in the 18-74 age group living in five central districts of Antalya. The data were collected simultaneously in March 2021 in a family health center determined in each district, with the "Questionnaire on Covid-19 Disease" prepared by the researchers. Since the data of the study fit the normal distribution, t test, Anova test and Bonferroni correction were used in the analysis and the level of significance was determined as 0.05. Ethical consent, institutional permissions and informed consent from individuals were obtained for the study. Results: The participants' mean scores of COVID-19 general knowledge (11.85±2.29) and preventive practices of COVID-19 (25.00±3.42) and behavior (84.85±10.33) scores were found to be at a good level. The average knowledge of the participants on COVID-19 decreases as the age progresses, increases as the education and income level increases, and is higher in employees and employees during the pandemic period; The average score of knowledge about preventive practices against COVID-19 decreases with age, increases as the level of education increases, is higher among singles and employees, and the average score of behavior regarding preventive practices against COVID-19 decreases with age, increases as the level of education increases. It has been determined that it is higher among those who work in the period of employment, and lower among those whose income does not meet their basic needs. Conclusion: In this study, which was carried out in the central districts of Antalya, it was determined that although the participants had a good level of knowledge and behavior to prevent COVID-19, they did some practices that were not recommended by the health authorities. Timely, accurate and up-to-date information on the pandemic process by the relevant health authorities is important for increasing the compliance and participation of the society in the necessary measures. Key words: COVID-19, pandemic, knowledge, behavior, nurse.