Perceptions towards COVID-19 and adoption of preventive measures among the public in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background Effective management of the spread of a novel infectious disease, such as the COVID-19 virus can be achieved through influencing people’s behavior to adopt preventive measures. The public’s perceptions and attitudes towards the virus, governmental guidance and preventive measures were unknown in Saudi Arabia. Objectives 1) investigate the public perception of COVID-19, anxiety level, the COVID-19 information sources sought, adoption of preventive measures, and ability and willingness to self-isolate during and post-lockdown periods of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia; 2) investigate socio-demographic factors associated with adoption of preventive measures against COVID-19 and self-isolation practices. Method Between April 22nd and June 21st 2020, Saudi adults aged ≥18 years voluntarily completed a self-administered web-based cross-sectional survey, distributed through social media (WhatsApp) and emails to representatives in education, health, business, and social sectors across all Saudi Arabian regions. The survey included questions on anxiety level, COVID-19 risk perceptions and adoption of preventive measures. Weighted percentages, Pearson’s chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression were applied to evaluate associations between these factors and socio-demographic variables. Results A total of 2393 respondents completed the survey. A majority (74%) were worried about the COVID-19 outbreak and of those, 27% reported that it was likely that they would be infected with COVID-19; 16% believed it would be life-threatening or severe. However, only 11% of respondents reported high anxiety level. Adoption of hygiene practices and social distancing were lower among older (> 65 years) compared to younger (18–24 years) respondents (OR: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.28 and OR 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.27 respectively). High percentages of respondents reported being able to (88%) and were willing to (82%) self-isolate. Those with the lowest gross household income and those with at least one flu symptom were less able and willing to self-isolate. A significant increase in levels of anxiety, perceived effectiveness of social distancing and hygiene practices was reported in the post-lockdown compared to during the lockdown. Conclusions The study reported high levels of adoption of preventive measures, willingness and perceived ability to self-isolate during the early phase of the pandemic. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, and those with low socio-economic status reported lower adoption of preventive measures or ability and willingness to self-isolate. Tailored public health messages and interventions are needed to achieve high adherence to these preventive measures in these groups.

Inequalities in Knowledge About COVID-19 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…Indeed, knowledge has been shown to contribute to an individual's health-related decision-making (28). For instance, in Saudi Arabia, vulnerable groups such as those with a low SES reported lower adoption of preventive measures (29), which may be partly attributed to lower levels of knowledge about the disease. Previous research on infectious diseases has shown that knowledge and beliefs are significant predictors of the adoption of preventive behaviors (30)(31)(32).…”

COVID-19 Preventive Behavior Practices and Determinants: A Scoping Review

“…Personal preventive measures which were well-practiced by most respondents in the selected studies are: regular handwashing [13], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [25], [29], [30], [31], [32], [33], [34], [35], [36], [37], [38], [39], [40], [41], [42] except Yehualashet et al [26], wearing face masks [13], [19], [21], [22], [23], [24], [29], [30], [31], [34], [35], [36], [38], [39], [40], [41] except 4 studies [26], [33], [37], [42], cough/sneeze etiquette [13], [20], [22], [23], [24], [26],…”

“…Community preventive measures which were well-performed by respondents are reported as follows: avoid crowded place/public spaces [13], [21], [22], [24], [25], [29], [30], [33], [34]. [35], [36], [38], [39], [40], [41] except two studies [36], [40], avoid meetings [13], [21], [33], [34], [38], [40], [42] except one study [31], staying at home [13], [21], [22], [23], [24], [29], [30], [32], [36], [38], [41], [42] except three studies [26], [33], [35], avoid public transportation [21], [34], [36], [38], [42], avoid contact with infected/vulnerable person [21], [30],…”

“…There were 17 studies which found 15 factors to COVID-19 preventive measures according to sociodemographic characteristics. The most frequent reported factor by 13 authors was age [13], [19], [21], [22], [23], [27], [30], [32], [35], [37], [40], [42], [43], followed by gender which were presented in 12 studies [13], [19], [21], [22], [27], [30], [33], [35], [37], [40], [42], [43], education level [19], [30], [32], [33], [40], [43], occupation [20], [21], [31], [33], [36], [39], marital status [24], ethnicity [24], [43], socioeconomic status [19], [30], [36], residential area [19], [20], [34], [37] and settlement size …”

The Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic among Emerging Adults: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

“…These measures are only successful in the short term and may need to be reinstated regularly. However, long-term suppressive measures have harmful effects on society and the economy [3].…”