Evaluation of the knowledge of the Rio de Janeiro state population about the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

In March 2020, the first case of Covid-19 was registered in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The heterogeneity of its regions is a notable aspect of its demographics, which makes tackling the pandemic challenging. Due to the high impact of the pandemic on society, it is crucial to understand the population's perception of the proposed sanitary measures and identify flaws in the information process. A well-educated population about a disease becomes less vulnerable. This study investigates the degree of clarification related to Covid-19 in the population of Rio de Janeiro. For data collection, an on-line form was used, applied to 857 residents of the state. Among the results, it is noted that most participants classify the situation of the pandemic in the state as serious, and signal the need for expansion of control and inspection actions. The population understands that scientific research is important to guide health actions. Investing in direct communication and with accessible language increases awareness, creates favorable behaviors and allows the pandemic to be tackled effectively. It is inferred, therefore, that it is crucial to proceed with information dissemination planning.