High school students' attitudes towards SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an online cross-sectional survey. (20th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Komorzycka, J; Sobieraj, E; Ganczak, M
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 31(2021)Supplement 3
• Publication Date: 2021-10-20
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.537
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Adolescents play a major role in SARS-CoV-2 spread. The study objective was to assess COVID-19 attitudes among Polish final year high school students. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2020-March 2021; 24 high schools were randomly selected in Lubuskie region, followed by a random selection of 51 classes. Students' attitudes were assessed by an anonymous questionnaire before an online lecture on SARS-CoV-2. Results: Response rate was 72%, 638 students responded (360 females, mean age 18.4±0.6 years); 438 attended schools in towns with <100, 000 inhabitants; 201 were in the science program; 7.4% reported past SARS-CoV-2 infection (5% females vs 10.8% males; p = 0.006). 52.2% believed COVID-19 is a serious disease (more females, those in larger cities and in the science program, p = 0.02; p < 0.001; p < 0.001 respectively). However, 71.3% were not afraid of getting SARS-CoV-2 infection (more males and those not in the science program, p = 0.0007; p = 0.01 respectively); 59.1% were concerned that their parents and 68.7% their grandparents will get COVID-19 (more females, those in larger cities and in the science program, both: p = 0.0004; p = 0.004; p = 0.0005 respectively). Only 16.5% believed that government recommendations effectively control the epidemic (more in the science program; p = 0.01); 44.6% supported lockdown as an effective strategy (more those in larger cities and in the science program; both: p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings show low awareness of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, deficiencies in appropriate attitudes and lack of trust regarding the epidemic management among the high school students. Given attitudes determine people's actions, to limit SARS-CoV-2 transmission and strengthen positive attitudes further investigation into the factors underlying the lack of risk perception is warranted. Key messages: The study provides perspectives of youth for policymakers that should be taken into account while implementing educational programs related to COVID-19. We recommend implementing COVID-19 knowledge into school curricula to improve students' risk perception and attitudes.