COVID-19 in Mexico: Perception and knowledge of the pandemic in the Mexican population through the application of online surveys. (Preprint)

BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on Mexican society. People have unique perceptions and reactions to an event of such magnitude. A practical way to measure this impact it is by means of perception, hence applying online surveys, through social media platforms to ensure higher response rates and results in a fast pace. OBJECTIVE Inquire about knowledge and perception in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic in Mexico. METHODS This is a transversal, descriptive study. The survey included questions about: general data, knowledge about the virus, adaptations in job, economy, and health basis and new hygiene practices and implementations, all since the beginning of the pandemics. The survey included a section with top news headlines images about Covid-19 in Mexico for people to relate the first feeling the image caused in them. The survey was conducted through social media platforms like Facebook© and WhatsApp© during the week of April 5th through 9th 2020, week that corresponded to phase 2 of the epidemic in Mexico. The participants were informed of the nature of this study and that their participation is voluntary, anonymous and confidential. A percentage of all results were determined. RESULTS 2798 responses were analyzed. 99.9% of the participants approved the consent and answered the survey. The average profile of the citizen who answered this survey were between the age group of 21-40 years (51%), in relation to gender, mostly females (81%) Education up to bachelor's degree (80%) Residency, Nuevo León, México (42%), occupation: Other than health field related (47%), Income: $20,001- $50,000 Mexican pesos (18%), have health service (64%), have children (73%) of which are under 12 years old (43%). Almost 100% recognized the transmission of coronavirus and the symptoms of COVID-19. 99% of the surveyed, stated that hand washing implement, outcome as main preventive measure of transmission. 74.9% categorized themselves as having an overall “good” health, nonetheless 50% suffer from chronic diseases, making hypertension and obesity (22%) the most frequent combination of ailment. About lockdown and employment 71% were complying with the lockdown measures: 30% full salary and 1% was fired. 28% of the population surveyed prefers social media to update information and 72% recognizes worrisome is the predominant mood. The major reactions to the images shown were: worry and anger. Concern was expressed about the economy of the country and the world at the end of the pandemic in a 97% of the surveyed. CONCLUSIONS Social media is a great device for massive data diffusion, between different targeted populations. Quick on-line surveys could be an important tool to track knowledge and perceptions among the population, during large events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The results presented in this article could help society in general, as well as health authorities, medical personnel, Government and media, to learn about the population's perceptions and needs in such an event like this pandemic, therefore take preventive measures and, above all, support the mental health of the population’s topic.