Predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours in a sample of the Turkish population.

Aim: This research aimed to determine predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours in a sample of the Turkish population. Methods: The study was conducted with 575 individuals. COVID‐19 preventive behaviours were evaluated with a 19‐item scale scored from 19 to 95. Knowledge on COVID‐19 was evaluated with a 22‐item scale scored from 0 to 22. General health literacy was evaluated with the Turkey Health Literacy Scale (THLS), which was scored from 0 to 50. Results: The average COVID‐19 preventive behaviours score was moderately high in this sample of the Turkish population. Being female, having a higher level of education, better economic status, being a non‐smoker, having a higher level of COVID‐19 knowledge and better general health literacy score were significant predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID‐19 and general health literacy are crucial in preventing COVID‐19 infections in a sample of the Turkish population. Summary statement: What is already known about the topic? To reduce the risk of transmission and prevent the spread of the COVID‐19, it is necessary to comply with COVID‐19 preventive behaviours.Sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID‐19 and general health literacy are crucial in preventing the COVID‐19 disease. What does this paper add? COVID‐19 preventive behaviours scored moderately high among a sample of the Turkish population.Being female, having higher level of education, better economic status, being a non‐smoker, having higher level of knowledge about COVID‐19 and better general health literacy are significant predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours in a sample of the Turkish population, accounting for 22.4% of the variance in COVID‐19 preventive behaviours. The implications of this paper: Attempts should be made to increase the COVID‐19 knowledge and health literacy to increase COVID‐19 preventive behaviours among the Turkish population.In particular, attempts should be made to increase the COVID‐19 preventive behaviours for men, individuals with low education and poor economic conditions, and smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]