RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Evaluation of COVID-19 myths in Saudi Arabia
JF Saudi Medical Journal
JO Saudi Med J
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 377
OP 383
DO 10.15537/smj.2021.42.4.20200706
VO 42
IS 4
A1 Alhusseini, Noara K.
A1 Sajid, Muhammad R.
A1 Alsheikh, Haifa A.
A1 Sriwi, Tala H.
A1 Odeh, Nour B.
A1 Elshaer, Rawan E.
A1 Altamimi, Rawand E.
A1 Cahusac, Peter M.B.
YR 2021
UL http://smj.org.sa/content/42/4/377.abstract
AB Objectives: To examine the awareness level of COVID-19 and to highlight the frequency of myths and misconceptions among Saudi Arabia’s population.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from June 13 to 20, 2020 by distributing a 16-item online Google forms questionnaire among adults (18-65 years old) living in Saudi Arabia. We utilized the convenience sampling. Data analysis was performed using Chi-square and multiple regression analysis on Jamovi.Results: A total of 1436 responses were analyzed with 43.5% males and 56.5% females. Most respondents (89.1%) thought that only the elderly above 60 years old are considered at high risk of contracting COVID-19. Most respondents (86.5%) agreed that people with other health conditions could be more affected by COVID-19. Approximately 97.2% agreed that wearing a mask and avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands was the leading preventive action. Most participants (99.4%) chose fever as an associated symptom. Respondents from the healthcare sector presented statistically higher scores than those in non-healthcare sectors (p<0.001). Higher education and higher salary were important predictors of better COVID-19 knowledge.Conclusion: Public health officials need to increase awareness measures on COVID-19 to limit myths and misconceptions and reduce psychological distress associated with it.