Public Eye toward COVID-19: A Systematic Review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The general public has an important role in controlling the spread of infectious diseases by pursuing prophylactic measures. AIM: The aim of the present systematic review was to describe public perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward COVID-19. METHODS: In this review, articles were extracted from the Google Scholar, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed search engines. The main keywords for the search were coronavirus, COVID-19, public perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. RESULTS: The knowledge level toward novel coronavirus in different countries was generally high, and it had an increasing pattern during the pandemic phase. Furthermore, the insight self-efficacy, perceived severity of the COVID-19, and intention to meet the needs of preventive measures have increased notably. Furthermore, there are several misconceptions and unconfirmed beliefs in the general public in the case of preventive measures recommended, in particular. CONCLUSIONS: Health authorities and other disease control centers should monitor public misconceptions and perceptions continuously and manage a trusting platform to be presented to the public, especially in the case of a novel disease outbreak.