Face Masks Use and Its Role in Restraining the Spread of COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Face masks (FM) play a role in limiting the spread of viral infections; despite this, their role is influenced by the population's adherence to wearing the FM. However, the impact on the effectiveness of the FM is variable in various communities. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices toward FM use during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. This observational “cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.” The data was collected using an online questionnaire survey from September 8–21, 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices using single choice questions and a five-point Likert scale. Among 1,356, respondents' the rate was 678 (50%), 207 (30.5%) were males and 471 (69.5%) females. Among the participants, Saudi citizens were (649; 95.7%), with University education (502; 74%) and were mostly (368; 54.3%) between 16 and 24 years of age. The participants (384; 56.6%, p < 0.001) had good knowledge about face masks, and more than half of the respondents, 531 (78.3%) (p < 0.001), showed a positive attitude. Most of the respondents (477, 70.2%) believed that everyone could use the face mask to minimize the spread of the disease; however (111; 16.4%) reported that they would not wear a face mask if the government did not recommend wearing it in public places during the COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi citizens have above-average knowledge and optimistic attitudes toward using face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The community is convinced about the face masks and believes that face masks play a predominant role in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Face Mask Practice and Technique During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nonrepresentative Cross-Sectional Study in Sudan

“…These findings are consistent with those of studies conducted in China and Saudi Arabia, which also show a high level of positive attitude among participants. 43 , 44 The results in this study are also consistent with those of a study conducted in Saudi Arabia in which most participants had a positive attitude toward effective control of the pandemic by compliance with wearing of face masks. 28 High income was also associated with positive attitudes regarding wearing masks to reduce the chance of infection.…”

COVID-19 and Saudi Arabia: Awareness, Attitude, and Practice

“…Steps are also required to ensure that the procedures and actions introduced by the college extend to all students. Meo/ Jan 2022 116 Face Masks Use and Its Role in Restraining the Spread of COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Based Cross-Sectional Study. 1356, respondents Online questionnaire on social media Saudi citizens have above-average knowledge/optimistic attitudes toward using face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic Hagag/Jan 2022 117 Exploration of Community Care Awareness about COVID-19 Sterilization.…”

Application of Public Health Precautionary Guidelines Before Contracting COVID-19: Lessons Learned from a Qualitative Descriptive Study

“… 7 In Saudi Arabia, around 40% of the participants revealed that they would not wear masks if there were no financial ramifications imposed by the government. 8 …”

“… 11 In addition, a cross-sectional study investigating the knowledge, attitude, and practices of face mask-wearing reported that most Saudi citizens had sufficient knowledge and a positive attitude toward consistently using face masks. 8 However, the study design refrained from extracting information regarding the degree of knowledge and demonstrated practices of the participants when using their face masks. 8 …”