International Journal of Emergency Medicine (Nov 2020)

Knowledge and attitudes of us adults regarding COVID-19

  • Christopher Hogan,
  • Massud Atta,
  • Paul Anderson,
  • Tej Stead,
  • Matthew Solomon,
  • Paul Banerjee,
  • Bryan Sleigh,
  • John Shivdat,
  • Amanda Webb McAdams,
  • Latha Ganti

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-020-00309-6
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 1
pp. 1 – 6

Abstract

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Abstract This was a survey of the general non-healthcare-worker USA population regarding their knowledge and attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost everyone practiced social distancing. Women were significantly more likely to be worried about contracting the virus than men (65% vs. 43%, p = 0.0272). There was also a linear trend with age, with older Americans being more worried about contracting the virus. Women were also significantly likely to have received the influenza vaccine this past season compared to men (60% vs. 37%, p = .0167). Similarly, women were significantly more likely to get the influenza vaccine next season than men (77% vs. 46%, p = .0014.). Overall, across every age group, geographic part of the USA and gender, more (or the same) Americans plan on getting the influenza vaccine next season compared to last, but not fewer. This may reflect more awareness of preventative health brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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