Absence of short-term changes in knowledge and attitudes among household contacts of COVID-19 cases during the post-acute phase of the pandemic in Catalonia and Navarre, Spain.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate short-term changes in knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and preventive measures during the post-acute phase of the pandemic in Spain.

METHODS: A survey was performed in Catalonia and Navarre between May-2022 and July-2023 in household contacts of COVID-19 cases. Knowledge and attitude were assessed at baseline and at three months, using a Likert scale. Responses were grouped according to correct or incorrect.

RESULTS: At baseline, 172 subjects were contacted, 118 (69%) of which completed a follow-up interview three months later. Knowledge of correct hand-washing and mask protocols had maintained over time (-1.7%, p  = 0.553 and - 2.5%, p  = 0.473, respectively). Attitudes toward preventive measures was adequate in the first interview (86%), but attitudes regarding use of face masks decreased significantly (-9.1%, p  = 0.048) over time in participants with higher risk of severe COVID-19. However, most short-term changes in knowledge and attitudes were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Household contacts showed correct knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and its preventive measures, without significant changes in the short term despite a relaxation of government-mandated preventive measures. These results provide relevant information in case of a new health emergency due to respiratory viruses.