Recreational swimming and infectious disease risks in young adults: An analysis of awareness and preventive measures
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https://doi.org/10.70736/jrolss.537Keywords:
Swimming, Infectious diseases, Adult healthAbstract
This study aimed to examine the risk awareness of infectious diseases and protective behaviors among young adults engaged in recreational swimming, considering various variables. A relational survey method was employed, and data were collected from 182 individuals (79 women, 103 men) using a demographic information form and the Infectious Diseases Risk Awareness and Protection Scale. Within the scope of data analysis, frequency and percentage distributions were examined, and after the normality assumptions were met, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Post-Hoc tests and Pearson Correlation analysis were applied. Participants’ mean age (years) was 28.46±4.23, height (cm) 172.82±8.70, body weight (kg) 71.46±13.24, and BMI 23.76±2.90. Significant differences were observed in total and subscale scores based on gender, while some subscales varied according to marital status, smoking habits, chronic diseases, and educational background (p<0.05). Different levels and directional relationships were found between demographic characteristics and scale scores. The findings indicated that awareness and protective behaviors differed by gender, marital status, education level, smoking habits, chronic diseases, and physical characteristics, with women and individuals with higher education levels scoring higher. Additionally, a negative correlation was identified between physical characteristics and awareness levels. In this context, it was concluded that educational programs should be organized to enhance awareness of infectious disease risks and that strategies should be implemented to improve protective behaviors.
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