ABSTRACT

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has generated over 57 million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide and has led to the implementation of strict measures in all countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and implementation status of personal protective measures (PPMs) by Northern Cyprus citizens and their access to personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 outbreak.

This was a cross-sectional study based on internet-based survey. A total of 406 participants were recruited between May 1, 2020 and May 4, 2020 via authors’ networks to complete a questionnaire. Participants were asked to indicate how often they implemented five PPMs recommended by the World Health Organization, their daily frequency of hand hygiene events, COVID-19 knowledge, and the availability of PPE in their hometown.

The prevalence of five PPMs was 65.0-95.6%, with the highest being hand hygiene and the lowest being avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. Gloves (86.2%), surgical masks (52.2%), and cloth face masks (47.3%) were the most commonly used PPE in public areas. Majority of responders were aware of the incubation time (90.4%) and indirect route of viral transmission (89.7%), whereas the knowledge of droplet (72.2%) and aerosol transmission (43.6%) was lower. Women washed their hands more frequently than men (P = .008), and the 15-54 age group was statistically more knowledgeable about transmission routes compared with >55 age group (P = .003). Knowledge was gained mainly through the social media and TV.

Overall, citizens implemented protective measures effectively and were strictly coherent to government-induced curfew and selfisolation measurements with a high public awareness.