Abstract: Objective To understand the status of cognition and protective practice of COVID-19 among residents in Guangdong Province during the epidemic period. Methods From February 3, 2020 to February 6, 2020, residents in Guangdong Province were surveyed through an online questionnaire. The survey content included demographic characteristics, going out and mask protection, disinfection protection, and cognition of COVID-19. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine factors influencing cognition of COVID-19 knowledge. Results A total of 1 367 residents in Guangdong Province were surveyed. Of the participants, 50.0% were Shantou residents, 50.7% aged 18-30 years, 53.5% had bachelor degree, 73.7% linved in urban area, and 42.6% had medical background. After the outbreak of COVID-19, 75.3% of the residents had the experience of going out. The main destination was a market or supermarket （62.6%）. The main way of going out was by private car （56.2%）. During the epidemic period, most residents （77.9%） must wear masks when going out, increased hand washing frequency （91.7%） and hand washing time （84.5%）. The average score of COVID-19 knowledge was （12.4 ± 1.4） points, and 753 persons （55.1%） got ≥13 points. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the residents aged 31-40 years （OR=1.433） and with higher education levels （OR=1.945 for high school/secondary school, OR=2.524 for college, OR=3.507 for undergraduate, OR=4.374 for master's degree and above） had higher cognition level of COVID-19 knowledge. Conclusions After the outbreak of COVID-19, residents in Guangdong were generally able to wear masks, and increase the frequency and duration of hand washing. However, the cognitions of daily health protection and disease, and ability of rumor identification need to be improved.

Key words: Coronavirus Disease 2019, Residents in Guangdong Province, Personal protection, Cognition