History

Background: Evaluation of Coronavirus illness prevention efforts in the public health field relies heavily on three factors: knowledge, attitude, and practice. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), new viral diseases pose a significant risk to global health. The purpose of this study was to find the relationship between socio-demographic factors and the use of prevention measures against COVID-19 by assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of residents of Duhok governorate in Iraqi Kurdistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the general population of Duhok Governorate, between the ages of 18 and 75, using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was employed, and it included a KAP questions about potential preventive measures for COVID-19 (vaccines, face masks, social distances and hygiene). Additionally, the demographics were evaluated. Results: One thousand people took part in the study, and 77.5 % of them were able to correctly identify the best preventative steps to take against the spread of the COVID-19 virus (Excellent). However, only 56.9% of the public had a positive attitude on and 66.1% of the population really took preventive actions against COVID-19 (Moderate). Our results showed that sex, marital status and economic status in the knowledge test were no significant correlation at (P<0.01). In contrast, there was statistically significant variation across all other demographic factors (age, occupation, religion, education, and place of residence) at (P<0.01). However, only religion showed a significant correlation at (P<0.01) on the attitude test, but both sex and location matched on the practice test. Other demographic factors, such as age, occupation, and education level, were significant at (P<0.01). Conclusion: According to the results, almost three quarter of the population in the Duhok Governorate has outstanding knowledge in relation to socio-demographic factors, and more than half have a reasonable attitude and practice regarding COVID-19 preventive measures.