KNOWLEDGE
This KAP assessment tells us what people know about COVID-19, how they feel and their actions to prevent the disease. It identifies knowledge gaps, beliefs, or misperceptions that can facilitate people’s understanding and behaviour. It also assesses what community would like to know more about COVID-19 and how they prefer to contact TRCS to ask questions or share feedback. Knowing what information people have heard already, how they reacted to it and why they might be resistant to change can help develop targeted messaging and engage in dialogue with communities to promote positive behaviour. The findings of KAP assessment can guide adjustments to ongoing interventions and improve the quality and accessibility of services for the communities.
Knowledge assesses a community’s understanding and what they know about a given topic, COVID-19 for this KAP assessment.
main findings
What do you know about the new Coronavirus?
Under "Other" the following responses were recorded: the new Coronavirus is a punishment sent by God, a virus originating in China, a virus similar to what causes flu, a virus spread by bats. Two respondents admitted they didn't know enough to answer this question.
FGD findings:
Respondents inform that now more people are aware about the disease and have sufficient information compared to the early stages of the outbreak. However, in certain location such as Mersin, the awareness is relatively lower among the refuges than local communities. The reason for this is mainly language barrier, which can negatively impact the refugees to practise positive behaviour and undertake necessary precautions.
What kind of information have you received about the new Coronavirus?
More than one answer possible
There was no significant differences in answers provided by refugees/host community members or women/men. Under "Other" the following responses were recorded: the virus can cause an economic crisis, people should practice physical but not social distancing, there is not cure for the disease cause by the virus, people should stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out. Nine respondent admitted they had not received any information.
Where do you get information about the new Coronavirus from?
More than one answer possible
Other responses: books and articles, the Blue Crescent, refugee associations, workplace/school, website of the Ministry of Health, other social media (not mentioned in the list), WhatsApp groups.
"TRCS Community Center was the only institution that shared information about the COVID-19 in Arabic and Turkish at first. Later, other Institutions started to share information in two languages."
F.Y., Refugee man - Bursa
Is there anything preventing you or making it difficult to receive information about the new Coronavirus?
If yes, what are the barriers?
More than on answer possible
Which channel/who do you trust the most for information related to the new Coronavirus?
More than one answer possible.
Overall
Host population Refugee
Other responses: newspapers/articles/books, no one, internet/social media, Health Ministry, WHO, UOSSM and SENED organisations.
"People around me prefer to get information from community leaders and Muhtars on COVID-19."
S.Y., Turkish man - 61, Adana
How does the Coronavirus spread?
More than one answer possible
Do you know how to prevent the Coronavirus contraction?
More than one answer possible
Other answers not covered in the list: the virus spreads from/through people who are not careful enough and don't follow the restrictions, through breathing (airborne), the main sources of the virus spread are hospitals.
Other recorded prevention methods: not going out unless absolutely necessary, taking care of personal hygiene, avoiding meeting other people.
What are the main symptoms of the Coronavirus infection?
More than one answer possible
Other mentioned symptoms: flu-like symptoms, general weakness.
Do you know who is the highest risk of the infection?
More than one answer possible
Another vulnerable groups mentioned in the survey: those with compromised immune system, those working outside (especially men), people staying/working in crowded placed. Twenty individuals answered that everyone is at risk of contracting the virus while twelve did could not indicate any vulnerable groups.
FGD findings:
Respondents in all locations are well aware about COVID-19 outbreak, the symptoms of infection, how it spreads, and how to reduce the risks of getting infected. They explain that the common symptoms of infection include fever, dry cough, sore throat, lacking sense of smell and taste, and breathing difficulties. The virus can spread through droplets during coughing and sneezing or by touching eyes or mouth with infected hands. It can not only transmit through air but also physical contact with an infected person.
They recognize that everyone can be at risk of infection. However, the elderly (above 60 and 65 years of age), those with chronic disease and weak immune system are at higher risks of getting infected. Many consider pregnant women, health workers or people working in factories and public areas, those using public transport and people who do not follow the preventive measures such as, not wearing masks, not maintaining personal hygiene or paying attention to physical distancing, can be equally at risk of COVID-19 infection. Although young people and children are relatively at low risks, they can become the carriers of the disease.
Have you heard anything about the Coronavirus that you are sure is true?
Summary of responses:
Drinking alcohol/tea/water with lemon or eating garlic/onion/sumac/hot pepper can protect against COVID-19.
The virus is a governmental programme/biological weapon.
Antibiotics are a good cure for the virus.
Unverified information about vaccination.
Animals can get infected.
It is very dangerous.
Masks can protect from the virus.
The infection rate will decrease in the summertime.
"Whenever we hear a rumor, we call the staff at the Community Center to confirm it."
M.H., Refugee woman - 59, Adana