Current status of knowledge on the prevention of common infectious diseases among urban and rural populations: a cross-sectional study

Background Common infectious diseases continue to impose a considerable burden in community settings, and prevention depends largely on public knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Urban–rural and socioeconomic disparities may lead to unequal levels of preparedness. This study assessed the current status and determinants of knowledge regarding the prevention of common infectious diseases among community-dwelling adults in a municipal area. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a multistage stratified cluster sampling approach. Community-dwelling adults aged ≥18 years from urban and rural districts were surveyed. A structured questionnaire was developed to assess sociodemographic factors, knowledge on disease transmission, prevention, and attitudes. Knowledge scores (0–17) were categorized as adequate (≥13) or inadequate (< 13). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results Of 872 residents approached, 859 valid questionnaires were analyzed. The mean knowledge score was 12.0 ± 3.1, with 31.9% of participants achieving adequate knowledge. Urban residents showed higher scores than rural residents. The most significant factors associated with adequate knowledge were urban residence [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.65, P = 0.002], higher education, higher income, and younger age. Preventive practices, including vaccination, hand hygiene, and mask use, were suboptimal, with rural residents reporting lower adherence to preventive behaviors ( P < 0.001). Conclusions Community knowledge of common infectious disease prevention appeared to be moderate, with observable gaps in practical preventive behaviors and sociodemographic differences. These findings suggest that targeted, equity-focused health education strategies could help strengthen behavior-oriented prevention, particularly among older, rural, and lower-income populations.