Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the Greek population regarding the COVID-19 pandemic during the national lock-down (March 23 - May 03, 2020): A web-based cross-sectional study

Objective: The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward the COVID-19 pandemic during the total lockdown of spring 2020 in Greece. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 13 to May 5, 2020. Adult residents of Greece anonymously completed an online survey that was distributed through email and social media. A total of 1396 fully complete questionnaires were collected. Demographic questions, questions regarding the knowledge about the disease etiology, diagnosis and prevention, and questions related to the respondents' attitude and perception toward the restriction measures and the confidence in different kinds of institutions providing information were included in the survey items. The appropriate statistical analyses were conducted according to the type of variable and the research question. Results: The highest knowledge scores were found in females (74.8%, p = 0.015), individuals over 60 years old (77.3%, p<0.001) and individuals having completed post-secondary or tertiary education (76.5%, p<0.001). Five attitude patterns toward the pandemic were identified: 'trust in institutions', 'trust in the restriction measures', 'trust in media and the internet', 'trust in traditional institutions', and 'measures deniers'. Age, education, and knowledge score were the factors defining the attitudinal patterns revealed. Conclusions: Education and public awareness of scientifically accurate information are the means for eliminating individually and socially irresponsible and dangerous behaviors and protecting public health in periods of health crises.