LAUSR

Abstract Aim This research aimed to determine predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours in a sample of the Turkish population. Methods The study was conducted with 575 individuals. COVID‐19 preventive behaviours were evaluated with a 19‐item scale scored from 19 to 95. Knowledge on COVID‐19 was evaluated with a 22‐item scale scored from 0 to 22. General health literacy was evaluated with the Turkey Health Literacy Scale (THLS), which was scored from 0 to 50. Results The average COVID‐19 preventive behaviours score was moderately high in this sample of the Turkish population. Being female, having a higher level of education, better economic status, being a non‐smoker, having a higher level of COVID‐19 knowledge and better general health literacy score were significant predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours (P < 0.05). Conclusion Sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID‐19 and general health literacy are crucial in preventing COVID‐19 infections in a sample of the Turkish population.