Journal of Public Health and Diseases

In the middle of the novel coronavirus pandemic, controlling the outbreak is the global priority. Many features, such as rate and mode of transmission make the containment of the virus harder comparing with other coronaviruses. Evaluating the knowledge, perception and precautions taken by the Lebanese population is crucial in controlling the outbreak and guiding the awareness campaign. We conducted a descriptive analytical cross-sectional study on the Lebanese population using an electronic survey between 18 and 22 March, 2020. Questions concerning demographics, knowledge, risk perception, preventions, source of information and degree of trust were asked. Knowledge and perception score were calculated. Three types of analysis were performed: descriptive, bivariate and multivariate. A total of 4413 persons filled the survey. The mean knowledge score was 16.47±1.8 SD over 20. The mean perception score was 25.2±4.9 SD over 40. A proportion of 35.3% of the study participants showed that they were always wearing a facemask outside their house. The most trusted source of information for the participants was healthcare professionals (Mean = 4.2±0.9 SD over 5). Multivariate analysis showed that the knowledge COVID-19 was mainly affected by three factors: personal monthly income, level of education, and health care professionals. Meanwhile, higher risk perception was related to higher level of knowledge. Despite the good knowledge score of the population, efforts must be reinforced to achieve higher knowledge score by targeting older population, people with low income, low educational level, non-healthcare workers, and those living in peripheral districts in Lebanon.