Evaluation of knowledge and health behavior of University of Medical Sciences students about the prevention of COVID-19

BACKGROUND: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that have symptoms ranging from the common cold to severe respiratory syndromes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to provide appropriate strategies to raise knowledge and health behavior of students of the University of Medical Sciences to prevent COVID-19. METHODS: This study was conducted as a cross-sectional and descriptive study, and the online questionnaire was used by random sampling. Our sample size was 360 subjects and the statistical population was the students of the University of Medical Sciences. We used the nonparametric test (KruskalWallis, Mann-Whitney U) and (Chi-Square& t-test) for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The test results were statistically significant for students' health behavior (p < 0.01, df - 99). The knowledge of women was higher than men (F = 5.32, p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: The results show that the Ministry of Health has acted well in promoting students' knowledge and health-promoting behaviors. Therefore, it is recommended that such research be conducted in the public statistical population.

Automated summary

The study aimed to improve the knowledge and health behavior of students at the University of Medical Sciences to prevent COVID-19, with results showing that women had higher knowledge levels than men. The Ministry of Health's efforts in promoting students' knowledge and health behavior were effective.