COVID-19 risk perceptions among public transportation drivers and users in Lebanon: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives

This study evaluates the perceived severity of and susceptibility to COVID-19 among public transportation drivers and users after lifting COVID-19 restrictions in Lebanon.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Data was collected through face-to-face survey questionnaires. Proportionate sampling method was used to recruit 854 public transportation drivers and users between August and October of 2024 from various Lebanese governorates (Beirut, Mount Lebanon, North, South and Beqaa). An Arabic anonymous questionnaire was used to measure participants' characteristics, COVID-19 risk perceptions, and users' preferences, guided by the Health Belief Model and Oliver's Expectation Disconfirmation theory. Descriptive statistics, Students' t-test, Mann Whitney test, and linear regression analyses were performed (statistical significance was set at P < 0.025).

Results

The perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 scores were significantly higher among public transportation users (3.3/5) compared to drivers (3.1/5), P = 0.015. Public transportation users felt at higher risk of getting COVID-19 while using vans/buses (51.5 %, n = 201) compared to taxi cabs (39.4 %, n = 155). They preferred if drivers disinfect their vehicles (76.5 %), preferred sharing a ride with others who wear a face mask (71.4 %), preferred if drivers wear masks (69.7 %), preferred if the transport vehicle had a protective shield (65.5 %), and preferred drivers who get vaccinated against COVID-19 (58.8 %). They disagreed that there is a need for a mandate to vaccinate drivers against COVID-19 (59.6 %). Public transportation users not having a health insurance, those who wear a face mask during a ride, and being unemployed reported higher perceived severity to or susceptibility toward COVID-19. Among drivers, being married, receiving COVID-19 vaccine, wearing a face mask, and performing physical activities were associated with higher perceived severity to or susceptibility towards COVID-19.

Conclusions

Findings in this study aid in persuading public transportation drivers to better comply with precautionary measures against COVID-19, thus promoting a safer public transportation system.