Current status of knowledge on the prevention of common infectious diseases among urban and rural populations: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Common infectious diseases continue to impose a considerable burden in community settings, and prevention depends largely on public knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Urban-rural and socioeconomic disparities may lead to unequal levels of preparedness. This study assessed the current status and determinants of knowledge regarding the prevention of common infectious diseases among community-dwelling adults in a municipal area.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a multistage stratified cluster sampling approach. Community-dwelling adults aged ≥18 years from urban and rural districts were surveyed. A structured questionnaire was developed to assess sociodemographic factors, knowledge on disease transmission, prevention, and attitudes. Knowledge scores (0-17) were categorized as adequate (≥13) or inadequate (< 13). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Of 872 residents approached, 859 valid questionnaires were analyzed. The mean knowledge score was 12.0 ± 3.1, with 31.9% of participants achieving adequate knowledge. Urban residents showed higher scores than rural residents. The most significant factors associated with adequate knowledge were urban residence [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.65, P = 0.002], higher education, higher income, and younger age. Preventive practices, including vaccination, hand hygiene, and mask use, were suboptimal, with rural residents reporting lower adherence to preventive behaviors (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Community knowledge of common infectious disease prevention appeared to be moderate, with observable gaps in practical preventive behaviors and sociodemographic differences. These findings suggest that targeted, equity-focused health education strategies could help strengthen behavior-oriented prevention, particularly among older, rural, and lower-income populations.