The Effect of COVID-19 Awareness on the Hygiene Behaviors of Individuals in the Region of Northern Cyprus.

Objectives: The ability to cope with diseases and the methods of protection from infections has become an essential part of everyday life. The magnitude of the changes caused by the pandemic goes well beyond economic, psychological and sociological realms, and creates a new life cycle. This study, aims to determine the effect of individual awareness related to COVID-19 on individuals' hygiene behaviors. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional scale based study carried out between May and September 2021 in the 6 different districts of Northern Cyprus. The results come from 403 participants. A socio-demographic form and the COVID-19 Awareness and Hygiene Scales are applied to the participants. Results: We found a positive and statistically significant correlation between the general scores of participants from the COVID-19 Awareness Scale and COVID-19 Hygiene Scale. As the participants' scores in the COVID-19 Awareness Scale increased, so did their scores of the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale. Conclusions: Individuals' awareness related to COVID-19 had a positive effect on their hygiene behaviors during the pandemic. Accordingly, the acquisition of proper hygiene behaviors by individuals should be one of the most important strategic measures that societies should take against infectious diseases.