Knowledge and perception of middle school students regarding COVID-19 disease at the start of the pandemic

Facing recent threats of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), an educational strategy was designed and applied to middle school students in order to reinforce related knowledge and behaviors. A group of 65 middle school students (14-18 years old) developed several designed online curricular activities. After the intervention, students answered a questionnaire to assess if they: (a) were familiar with the terms COVID 19 and SARS-CoV-2; (b) were conscious about the importance of preventive measures to stop the spread of this disease; (c) were engaged in these activities; (d) were motivated to research on health-related issues. This study was a first to attempt to evaluate student's perceptions about SARS-CoV-2 infection and support education regarding COVID-19, mainly on the reinforcement of preventive measures.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate middle school students' perceptions about SARS-CoV-2 infection and support education regarding COVID-19, mainly focusing on reinforcing preventive measures. Through designed online curricular activities, the study aimed to enhance students familiarity with COVID-19 terms, awareness of preventive measures, engagement in related activities, and motivation to research health-related issues.