TY - JOUR T1 - Evaluation of COVID-19 myths in Saudi Arabia JF - Saudi Medical Journal JO - Saudi Med J SP - 377 LP - 383 DO - 10.15537/smj.2021.42.4.20200706 VL - 42 IS - 4 AU - Noara K. Alhusseini AU - Muhammad R. Sajid AU - Haifa A. Alsheikh AU - Tala H. Sriwi AU - Nour B. Odeh AU - Rawan E. Elshaer AU - Rawand E. Altamimi AU - Peter M.B. Cahusac Y1 - 2021/04/01 UR - http://smj.org.sa/content/42/4/377.abstract N2 - 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. ER -