Educational Needs of People in Mazandaran Province about COVID-19 in 2020: An Internet-Based Study

Background and purpose: Considering the global spread of COVID-19, it seems that correct information obtained from reliable sources and training based on the need for self-care behaviors are useful solutions to reduce the harm caused by the disease. This study aimed at assessing the educational needs of people in Mazandaran province about COVID-19. Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, 1220 people were recruited via convenience sampling in 2020. A researcher-made questionnaire was administered and information such as demographic characteristics, disease condition, and educational needs for COVID-19 were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and parametric tests, correlation, analysis of variance, and t-test. Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.34 ± 8.74. Educational level included diploma (42.5%) and university education (38.9%). About 73.3% of the participants were women. According to findings the main sources of information about COVID-19 were social networks (68.4%), satellite programs (20.9%), Ministry of Health notices (8.1%), national media (1.6%), other sources (0.6%), and family members (0.4%). Online methods were the most desirable educational methods (94.6%) reported by the people living in Mazandaran province. The overall mean score for educational needs was 3.89±0.96. The educational need for the disease (3.76±0.84) and self-care needs (4.03±1.07) indicated high needs for educational trainings and significant differences between these areas (P=001). Conclusion: In this study, social networks and media were the primary sources of information about COVID-19. Designing and implementing self-management and self-care training programs could improve the health of people in Mazandaran province and prevent the spread of COVID-19.