Iranians' beliefs about COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

Background We sought to investigate people's beliefs, decision dynamics, and future consequences of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted from January 10th to April 30th, 2020. The data collection tool was a researcher-made electronic questionnaire that was designed in Porsline.com. The test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was good, and consisted of three sections: introduction, demographic characteristics, and belief questions about COVID-19. Results In 17 of the 43 beliefs, more than two-thirds of the subjects chose the "correct belief", and less than one-third chose the "I have no idea" or "I disagree" options. There was a significant correlation between age, gender, education, residential area, occupational status and correct belief about COVID-19. Conclusions Accurate knowledge of policymakers, managers, health care workers, and the public, beliefs about COVID-19 is important in promoting community health and disease prevention.