Risk Awareness and Protective Behaviors of Communicable Diseases Among Adults in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Risk Awareness and Protective Behaviors of Communicable Diseases Among Adults in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluates adults' awareness of communicable disease risks and the factors influencing it to enhance public health protection. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in four central districts of Kayseri using convenience sampling. The minimum sample size calculated via G-Power was 199. Data were collected in January 2023 through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire covering sociodemographics and the "Communicable Diseases Risk Awareness and Protective Scale (CDRAPS)." Statistical analyses included Student's t-test, ANOVA, and post-hoc LSD tests. Results: Among the 293 adults surveyed, 55.6% were male, and the mean CDRAPS score was 143.7±19.1 (range: 36-180). Overall, awareness scores were lower among males, individuals under 50 years old, unmarried individuals, those without children, and residents of rural areas. No significant associations were found between being a healthcare worker, having a chronic disease, and total scores on the scale. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of targeted initiatives to improve awareness of communicable disease risks. Factors such as gender, age, marital status, parenthood, and residential area significantly influence awareness, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies. These findings inform the development of educational campaigns and evidence-based interventions to address awareness gaps in diverse adult populations.

Keywords

• Communicable Disease
• Disease Awareness
• Public Health
• Protective Behavior
• Health Promotion

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