Background The COVID-19 government public health measures are necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, however, their efficacy is largely dependent on adherence. This study utilized the Health Belief Model (HBM) to explain the public’s adopted prevention practices during the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia. Methods This study used “COVID-19 Snapshot MOnitoring (COSMO): monitoring knowledge, risk perceptions, preventive behaviours, and public trust in the current coronavirus outbreak” research protocol which is developed by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the COSMO group. The COSMO questionnaire was translated into Arabic and distributed as an online survey via WhatsApp instant messaging application from May 2nd to May 26th, 2020. The dependent variable was the mean of adopting ten COVID-19 preventive practices. These practices were hand washing, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth, use of hand sanitizer, covering mouth and nose when coughing/sneezing, staying home when sick, avoiding close contact with infected persons, social distancing, wearing masks, home isolation, and lockdown. The independent variables included the HBM constructs (susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19, benefits of and barriers to adopting preventive behaviors, cues to action, health motivation, and self-efficacy), sociodemographic factors, presence of chronic illness, and perceived and actual knowledge. We conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses and reported significant findings (P ≤ 0.05). Results We analyzed 1027 surveys. About 38% adhered to all COVID-19 preventive behaviors and the mean for adherence was 9. The HBM perceived benefits ( p = 0.001), perceived barriers ( p = 0.004), and cues to action ( p = 0.046) were associated with adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviors after adjusting for all other factors. Respondents with the highest levels of education and income were less likely to adopt COVID-19 preventive behaviors compared to those in the lower ranks of education and income. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the HBM can be applied to understand adherence to COVID-19 prevention practices. The recognition of perceived health beliefs and practices is important for developing effective COVID-19 health intervention strategies.

Aim:This study was to establish a baseline level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of oral health promotion (OHP) among oral health providers in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study also described and evaluated the factors that facilitate or limit the practice of OHP and examined the relationship between the level of knowledge and attitude that practitioners have of OHP and their OHP practice. Materials and methods:A cross-sectional questionnaire included demographic questions and questions on the KAP of oral health promotion. Out of 365 questionnaires that were disseminated, 106 questionnaires were fully completed. Crosstabulation was conducted to establish factors associated with KAP scores. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors that were associated with the practice of OHP. Results:The baseline level of oral health providers' knowledge and attitude toward OHP was fair. Only a few providers have integrated OHP into their practice. Age of participants was significantly associated with knowledge of OHP among the providers. Also, there was a significant difference in mean attitude scores toward OHP by education level. The practice of OHP was significantly related to education level and facility type.Conclusion: Further research focusing on different cities or geographical regions in the KSA is needed to validate this finding. Also, the finding supports the need for continuous training in OHP to ensure that health providers understand and apply OHP practices in their work. Clinical significance:Due to the scarcity of data that measure OHP among oral health providers in the KSA, proper education and training programs by governmental authorities are difficult to implement. This study will provide baseline measures for future investigations for academicians and practitioners, alike.

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