Investigation of Individual Perception and Health Behavior towards Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the individual perceptions and health behaviors’ during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study was designed as a cross-sectional and descriptive study. A total of 396 individuals living in different cities of Turkey participated in the study. Due to pandemic conditions, the online survey method created via Google Forms was used to collect data. The mean age of the participants in the study was 27.14 ± 9.17. The statement “Healthcare professionals have exaggerated the extent of the coronavirus” had the lowest mean (x?=1.30), whereas “Everyone can be infected with the coronavirus” had the highest mean (x?=4.73). According to the findings, during the pandemic, it was shown that 50.9% of the participants consumed foods that strengthen their immunity (fruits and vegetables), 35.8% of smokers declined smoking, 53.3% did not change their bedtime habits and 50.1% of them were engaged in physical activity by doing housework (cleaning, etc.) more. Also, 47.7% of the individuals stated that they followed the news and current information about the outbreak on TV. As a result of this study, the participants’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors towards the disease were identified for the initial stage of the epidemic. In addition, it was determined how health behaviors changed during the epidemic. Behaviors and perceptions about the epidemic can contribute to measures to be taken. Also, giving correct information about the disease to people can have positive effects.