Understanding and adherence to hygiene and preventive measures in protection against infectious diseases among citizens

Abstract

Uvod: Higijenske i preventivne mjere predstavljaju ključne alate u sprječavanju širenja zaraznih bolesti, osobito u kontekstu javnozdravstvenih izazova poput pandemije COVID-19. Uloga građana u pridržavanju preporučenih mjera od presudne je važnosti za učinkovitost javnozdravstvenih intervencija. Cilj: Cilj ovog diplomskog rada bio je ispitati razinu informiranosti, stavove i obrasce ponašanja vezane uz higijenske i preventivne mjere među graĎanima Republike Hrvatske, te identificirati moguće prepreke u njihovoj svakodnevnoj provedbi. Metode: Istraživanje je provedeno putem online anketnog upitnika u vremenskom periodu od 01.02.2025. do 15.03.2025.godine na prigodnom uzorku od 221 ispitanika različite dobi, spola, razine obrazovanja i mjesta stanovanja. Prikupljeni podaci analizirani su korištenjem deskriptivnih i inferencijalnih statističkih metoda. Rezultati: Rezultati su pokazali visoku razinu samoprocijenjene informiranosti i izraženo pozitivne stavove prema higijenskim mjerama. Većina ispitanika redovito pere ruke, koristi zaštitne maske i održava fizičku distancu. Nisu utvrđene statistički značajne razlike u stavovima i ponašanju među demografskim skupinama, što ukazuje na široku prihvaćenost preporuka u populaciji. Zaključak: Edukacija, jasna i kontinuirana komunikacija te jačanje povjerenja u zdravstvene institucije ključni su faktori u promicanju odgovornog zdravstvenog ponašanja. Dobiveni rezultati mogu poslužiti kao podloga za daljnje javnozdravstvene aktivnosti usmjerene na jačanje zdravstvene pismenosti i otpornosti zajednice.Introduction: Hygiene and preventive measures are key tools in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, especially in the context of public health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The role of citizens in adhering to recommended measures is crucial for the effectiveness of public health interventions. Objective: The aim of this thesis was to examine the level of awareness, attitudes, and behavioral patterns related to hygiene and preventive measures among citizens of the Republic of Croatia, and to identify potential obstacles in their daily implementation. Methods: The research was conducted using an online questionnaire between February 1st and March 15th, 2025, on a convenience sample of 221 respondents of different ages, genders, education levels, and places of residence. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The results showed a high level of self-assessed awareness and clearly positive attitudes toward hygiene measures. Most respondents reported regular handwashing, mask-wearing, and maintaining physical distance. No statistically significant differences in attitudes or behaviors were found among demographic groups, indicating a broad acceptance of the recommendations within the population. Conclusion: Education, clear and continuous communication, and the strengthening of trust in health institutions are key factors in promoting responsible health behavior. The results of this study may serve as a basis for future public health activities aimed at improving health literacy and community resilience