The three mothers of the vaccine against covid-19
August 24, 2020
The virus hits Spain for the second time
August 26, 2020
A study by the National Center of Epidemiology and the Carlos III University estimates that 21% of Spaniards find it very difficult to avoid SARS-CoV2 infection.
This is indicated by the first results of 'Cosmo-Spain', a study coordinated by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) from the National Center for Epidemiology (CNE) and promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) that aims to know the population's perception of the current covonavirus pandemic and the evolution of the disease.
The work, which is being carried out in 31 other countries, will be complemented by new surveys and will help design health strategies and awareness campaigns.
One thousand people in the first survey
In this first round, with data collected between July 27 and August 3, 1.033 people over 18 years of age residing in Spain participated (50,1% men and 49,9% women).
30% of the participants were between 30 and 44 years old and a third of the sample was between 45 and 60. 45% had university studies or higher vocational training and 56% were working.
According to the responses, 64% say that the coronavirus worries them 'a lot or very much' and only 11% of those surveyed say that they worry 'a little or not at all'.
The main concerns are: losing a loved one, people not wearing a mask, the possible saturation of health services and a new confinement.
In general, the perception of risk regarding the virus and the disease remains high: 42% of those surveyed believe that the worst of the pandemic is yet to come; 23% consider that the worst is already happening and 21% believe that it is 'difficult or very difficult' to avoid infection.
Furthermore, 43% consider that the infection, if it affects them, would be 'serious or very serious'.
For those surveyed, the circumstances most conducive to contagion are crowded places and public transportation, while meetings in private homes, working outside the home or shopping are lower risk activities.
Regarding the use of the mask, 94% think that it serves to avoid infecting others, and 86% know that for it to be useful, it must cover the nose and mouth, although there is still 10% who believe that it should be removed. the mask for coughing or sneezing.
Where to find out about covid
To avoid infections, 91% resorted to masks, hydroalcoholic gel or hand washing, 84% kept physical distance (84%) and 32% stayed home when they had any symptoms.
More than 75% of respondents find it easy or very easy to find information about symptoms and restrictions, and find out what to do if they think they are infected, but have more difficulty deciding whether they should go to the doctor for a problem unrelated to the virus. coronavirus or to determine if the information provided by the media is reliable.
News broadcasts, press (on paper and online) and official press conferences are the sources of information most consulted by the population, while information from health professionals, the WHO and the Ministry of Health are the most reliable and social networks , the least.
In order of trust, respondents trust scientists first, followed by hospitals, health centers, the Ministry of Health and autonomous communities.
