Knowledge and behavior towards COVID-19 in the northern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
| dc.contributor.author | Thais Louvain de Souza | |
| dc.contributor.author | Andre L Vargas | |
| dc.contributor.author | Larissa PV Souza | |
| dc.contributor.author | Lauryne MBR Paes | |
| dc.contributor.author | Raleigh P Dias | |
| dc.contributor.author | Thiago F Marotti | |
| dc.contributor.author | Inez Barcellos de Andrade | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-08-18T19:48:20Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-02-19 | |
| dc.description | Severe pneumonia cases in Wuhan (Hubei, China), led to numerous deaths in December 2019 [1]. The pathogen was identified as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the disease was named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) [2]. In Brazil, the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in the city of São Paulo on February 26, 2020, and the first death from the disease was diagnosed the following month [3]. Subsequently, COVID-19 had infected more than 34.368,909 Brazilians, resulting in more than 683,390 deaths in the country in 30 months [3,4]. Brazil experienced its second wave of COVID-19 in March 2021, driven by the Manaus Gamma variant, with a daily average of 72,000 cases and over 2,000 deaths per day for weeks [4]. Since the pandemic's onset, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional office for the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Americas; and Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ) [5]; have consistently provided evidence-based information on their websites to combat rumors and misinformation. Meanwhile, online research, which allows researchers to collect data conveniently through the internet, found that Brazilians had a fundamental understanding of COVID-19 [6,7]. However, the population of this country is significantly heterogeneous; cities in the Rio de Janeiro state harbor communities are characterized by low-income socio-demographics, residents enduring armed conflicts, and limited access to educational resources. These communities were more vulnerable to misinformation and had a less proactive response to COVID-19, despite access to information [8,9]. Furthermore, the vulnerability of respondents to COVID-19 encompasses both financial and social dimensions. A high Gini index, indicating inequality Vargas et al. – Profile of COVID-19 in Rio, Brazil J Infect Dev Ctries 2024; 18(12.1):S282-S288. S283 (0.524 in 2020), coupled with a lower human development index (HDI; 0.76, in 2022) were demonstrably associated with higher mortality rates due to SARS-CoV-2 infection [10]. In this study, we aimed to explore COVID-19 awareness and practices in a low-income | |
| dc.description.abstract | Abstract Introduction: Despite efforts by health organizations to share evidence-based information, fake news hindered the promotion of social distancing and vaccination during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study analyzed COVID-19 knowledge and practices in a vulnerable area in northern Rio de Janeiro, acknowledging the influence of the complex social and economic landscape on public health perceptions. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Novo Eldorado – a low-income, conflict-affected neighborhood in Campos dos Goytacazes – using a structured questionnaire, following the peak of COVID-19 deaths in Brazil (July–December 2021). Statistical tests were used to delineate profiles and evaluate knowledge and preventive behaviors associated with COVID-19. Results: This study involved a cohort of 156 participants, predominantly women (74%), with an average age of 53 years. Almost half of the participants were identified as single (48%), and more than half had not completed elementary school. Notably, 68% believed they were well informed about COVID-19. The answers to the questionnaire revealed that the majority correctly identified severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a virus (65%); 72% recognized fever or cough as the main symptoms; and 71% recognized the importance of wearing masks. The overall mean score of the study was 7.628 (SD 1.583047). Social networks, especially ‘WhatsApp’ (65%), were the primary information sources. Those using social media or WhatsApp had higher knowledge scores (8.000 vs. 7.000, p = 0.0064). Conclusions: Involving marginalized communities and using social media to disseminate accurate information and trust in science is necessary to tackle COVID-19 challenges. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://repositorio.fmc-campos.com.br/handle/123456789/70 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.title | Knowledge and behavior towards COVID-19 in the northern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro – Brazil | |
| dc.type | Article |