AWARENESS OF THE POPULATION IN YAKUTIA ABOUT THE MEASURES FOR PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
Despite the low population density and the measures taken by the government of the republic, the COVID-19 infection is continuing to spread in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). As of the end of January 2021, more than 30 thousand cases of infection were registered in the republic. According to WHO, the effectiveness of preventive measures, such as maintaining social distance, using medical masks, isolating sick people, etc., is critically dependent on compliance of the public with them. The purpose of our study was to establish the level of awareness of the population about measures to combat and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) using the cases of Tattinsky, Megino-Kangalassky, and Amginsky Districts, as well as the city of Yakutsk. The survey covered 264 respondents over 18 years of age (55 men ( 20.83 %), 209 women (79.17 %)), including 118 residents of Amginsky District, 42 residents of Tattinsky District, 60 residents of Megino-Kangalassky District, and 44 residents of Yakutsk. The questionnaire included 23 questions (gender, age, place of residence, questions about the preventive measures taken at work or place of study of a respondent, sources of information on the situation with COVID-19, compliance with preventive measures during the pandemic, medications taken without a doctor’s leave, traditional methods used to prevent COVID-19). The results of the analysis did not find any statistically significant relationship between the awareness of respondents and their age; however, women were significantly more likely to be aware of COVID-19 prevention measures (p = 0.011). In Amginsky District, the awareness of the residents was higher (62.71 %) than in other districts; it is noteworthy that Yakutsk accounted for the lowest share of informed people (40.9 %). As expected, individuals who were briefed at work showed better awareness. It was found that respondents predominantly receive information about the COVID-19 preventive measures on TV. 59.8 % of the respondents regularly receive information from Instagram. 75.7 % of all the respondents received information from WhatsApp (most of all in Megino-Kangalassky District - 87 %). Reliable sources of information, such as local medical organizations, the websites of the Ministry of Health and WHO, are not very popular among the population. Antiviral drugs were taken by 75 people (29.4 %) without a doctor’s prescription. The survey revealed that 53.41 % of the respondents were well aware of the methods of preventing the new coronavirus infection, and the effectiveness of instructions at work or school was also proven. The role of television in disseminating information on COVID-19, as well as instant messengers, was shown. Only 29.4 % of the respondents took medicines on their own for prevention or treatment without a doctor’s prescription, which can lead to negative consequences in the form of overdose and allergic reactions.