Understanding Knowledge and Behaviors Related to CoViD–19 Epidemic in Italian Undergraduate Students: The EPICO Study

Francesca Gallè, Elita Anna Sabella, Giovanna Da Molin, Osvalda De Giglio, Giuseppina Caggiano, Valeria Di Onofrio, Stefano Ferracuti, Maria Teresa Montagna, Giorgio Liguori, Giovanni Battista Orsi and Christian Napoli
Additional contact information
Francesca Gallè: Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina n. 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
Elita Anna Sabella: Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Umberto I, 1, 70121 Bari, Italy
Giovanna Da Molin: Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Umberto I, 1, 70121 Bari, Italy
Osvalda De Giglio: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Giuseppina Caggiano: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Valeria Di Onofrio: Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Business District, Block C4, 80143 Naples, Italy
Stefano Ferracuti: Department of Human Neurosciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
Maria Teresa Montagna: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Giorgio Liguori: Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina n. 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
Giovanni Battista Orsi: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
Christian Napoli: Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-11

Abstract: Background: On February 2020, the novel coronavirus (2019−nCoV) epidemic began in Italy. In order to contain the spread of the virus, the Italian government adopted emergency measures nationwide, including closure of schools and universities, workplaces and subsequently lockdown. This survey was carried out among Italian undergraduates to explore their level of knowledge about the epidemic and the behaviors they adopted during the lockdown. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was administered to the students attending three Italian universities. Results: A good level of knowledge about the epidemic and its control was registered in the sample, mainly among students attending life sciences degree courses. The majority of the students did not modify their diet and smoking habits, while a great part of the sample reported a decrease in physical activity (PA). Conclusions: Students from life sciences courses showed a higher awareness regarding the infection and the control measures. The lockdown caused an important reduction of PA. Preventive interventions should transform the restrictive measures also as an opportunity to improve lifestyle.

Keywords: CoViD–19; knowledge; behaviors; quarantine; undergraduates (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (14)

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