Immunological Disorders and Immunotherapy
Open Access

Knowledge about COVID-19 among Saudi Arabian residents at the onset of the Pandemic

4^th European Congress on VACCINES AND IMMUNOLOGY

October 04-05, 2021 Webinar

Salah S. Alshagrawi

Saudi Electronic University, United Arab Emirates

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: IDIT

Abstract :

Background: The wide and accelerated spread of COVID-19 and its detrimental health and economic impact have prompted governments throughout the world to exert comprehensive protective measures to mitigate such effects. Recognizing the considerable positive impact of knowledge and awareness on individuals behaviors, Saudi Arabia was one of the few countries that responded promptly to constrain the spread of the pandemic among its population and invested profoundly in awareness campaigns to educate the public about the virus. Objectives: The purpose of this study is two folds: First, to evaluate the level of knowledge about COVID-19 among the public before the fi rst case was confi rmed in Saudi Arabia. Second, to investigate associations between the level of knowledge about COVID-19 and several individual characteristics such as being a healthcare provider. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey (n =737) to measure the public’s knowledge about COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic. An online closed-ended survey was administered to measure participants knowledge level and demographics. Multiple regression analysis was performed to study the associations between knowledge and participants characteristics. Results: Overall, an above-average knowledge level about COVID-19 among participants was observed. Multiple linear regression modeling showed nonsignifi cant associations between being a healthcare provider and knowledge about COVID-19 and between the age of the participant and knowledge of COVID-19. Only the sex of the participant (0.47, p < 0.01) was a signifi cant predictor of knowledge about COVID-19. Conclusion: In pandemics such as COVID-19, early and comprehensive interventions to raise awareness among the population are instrumental and necessary to expand the level of knowledge, which has a direct infl uence on adhering to recommended preventive measures. However, there is a gender gap in knowledge about COVID-19 that must be examined to inform future health interventions and policies. Keywords: Cross-sectional Study; COVID-19; Knowledge; Behavior; Coronavirus

Biography :

Salah S. Alshagrawi is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the department of Public Health at Saudi Electronic University.