A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude, behaviour and preventive measures for COVID-19 infection in Lebanon/?‰tude transversale des connaissances, de l'attitude, du comportement et des mesures de prévention de l'infection par la COVID-19 au Liban

Background: The World Health Organization has often reiterated its recommendations for the prevention of COVID-19, however, the success of these measures largely depends on public knowledge and attitudes. Aims: This study assessed the relationship between knowledge, attitude, behaviour and preventive measures for COVID-19 infection in a Lebanese population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2020 using the snowball sampling technique and an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had 4 parts targeting sociodemographic characteristics; medical history; knowledge, attitude and practices (preventive measures and behaviours related to COVID-19); and mental health variables such as psychological distress. Two models were derived using multivariable binomial logistic regression to optimize the picture of COVID-19 correlates. Results: Our sample comprised 1119 adults. Being older, female, a regular alcohol consumer, waterpipe smoker, having low level of education, low family income, and having contact with a COVID-19 patient correlated with increased odds of ever having been diagnosed with COVID-19. Participants who had ever been diagnosed with COVID-19 had a significantly better knowledge and a higher risky practice scale [adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 1.49; 95% CI 1.27-1.74; P < 0.001; and ORa = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.08; P = 0.024, respectively]. Conclusion: The most important predictors of COVID-19 infection appear to be generally well-known among the general population, however, their knowledge and adherence to preventive measures should be continuously re-evaluated. This study highlights the need for greater awareness to improve precautionary behaviours among the public. Keywords: COVID-19, risky behaviours, knowledge, attitude, preventive measures, Lebanon Contexte : L'Organisation mondiale de la Santé a souvent réitéré ses recommandations pour la prévention de la COVID-19, mais le succès de ces mesures dépend en grande partie des connaissances et des attitudes du public. Objectifs : La présente étude évaluait le lien entre les connaissances, l'attitude, le comportement et les mesures de prévention de l'infection par la COVID-19 au sein d'une population libanaise. Méthodes : Cette étude transversale a été menée entre septembre et octobre 2020 à l'aide de la technique d'échantillonnage en boule de neige et d'un questionnaire auto-administré en ligne. Le questionnaire comprenait quatre parties ciblant