Knowledge and Practices during the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Middle East: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of the general public in the Middle Eastern countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted between the 19th of March and the 6th of April 2020 in three Middle Eastern countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait) to explore the knowledge and practices of the Middle Eastern population regarding COVID-19. A previously developed questionnaire was adapted and used for this study. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of COVID-19 knowledge. Results: A total of 1208 participants (members of the public) participated from the three countries (Jordan = 389, Saudi Arabia = 433, and Kuwait = 386). The majority of participants (n = 810, 67.2%) were females aged 30 to 49 years (n = 501, 41.5%). Participants had moderate overall COVID-19 knowledge, with a mean (SD) score of 7.93 (±1.72) out of 12 (66.1%). Participants had better knowledge about disease prevention and control (83.0%), whereas the lowest sub-scale scores were for questions about disease transmission routes (43.3%). High education level was an important predictor of greater COVID-19 knowledge scores (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Further public education is needed to address the relatively low level of education regarding the transmission of COVID-19 in the Middle Eastern countries. Policymakers are recommended to develop informative COVID-19 related campaigns that specifically target young people (university students), unemployed individuals, and those with lower levels of education.

Use of Respiratory Protection Devices by Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…According to Pakistani researchers, the motivations for wearing face masks are “attitude, social norms, risk perceptions of the pandemic, and perceived benefits of face masks are the major influencing factors positively affect public willingness to wear face masks, whereas the cost of face masks and unavailability of face masks tend to have opposite effects” [ 14 ]. Compliance with preventive measures by the population, and the wearing of masks in particular, is also influenced by factors such as the region of residence (rural or urban area), housing conditions, sector of employment and education level, age, and income level [ 9 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. American scientists have identified a high risk of COVID-19 infection for all segments of the population.…”

“…It is important to prevent the spread of rumors, myths, and misinformation regarding the current pandemic, especially among people with low socioeconomic status, because such dissemination can have serious consequences for public health [ 19 ]. Some authors recommend paying special attention to information campaigns on COVID-19 aimed at young people—in particular, university students [ 17 ].…”

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards COVID-19 Among Pharmacists: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…28 A study from three countries in the Middle East found good knowledge toward disease prevention and control and a lower knowledge score toward disease transmission. 39 Postgraduate education may help to create best practices for maximizing pharmacists' effectiveness in future emergencies. 40 In Saudi Arabia, Alahdal et al suggested that despite moderate public awareness, the general population's attitude and practice turned out to be better.…”

Factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices towards COVID-19 in health care professionals in Lima, Peru

“…The present study revealed that being married represents a higher probability of having a low level of knowledge. Authors such as Naser et al, 25 and Rani et al, 26 have shown associations between marital status and low levels of knowledge of COVID-19 in health professionals in Saudi Arabia, where low levels of knowledge were found in single health professionals, as opposed to married health professionals, which can be explained by cultural aspects of Eastern countries such as believing that children and young adults are at a lower risk of contracting the disease, attending crowded places such as markets and mosques, in addition to their low acceptance of the use of masks. 25,26 These results are different from what we found in our study, where a low level of knowledge in married health professional was shown, which can be explained by the fact that the proportion of single population was low (12.6%).…”

“…Authors such as Naser et al, 25 and Rani et al, 26 have shown associations between marital status and low levels of knowledge of COVID-19 in health professionals in Saudi Arabia, where low levels of knowledge were found in single health professionals, as opposed to married health professionals, which can be explained by cultural aspects of Eastern countries such as believing that children and young adults are at a lower risk of contracting the disease, attending crowded places such as markets and mosques, in addition to their low acceptance of the use of masks. 25,26 These results are different from what we found in our study, where a low level of knowledge in married health professional was shown, which can be explained by the fact that the proportion of single population was low (12.6%). In addition, regarding the methodological aspects of the present study, one factor that may affect the results is the low participation of single people under 40 to the study, which corresponds to the age at which continuous or post-graduate training processes are carried out.…”