Response of Saudi Population to Strict Preventive Measures against COVID-19

Amro K. Bin Abdulrahman, Khalid A. Bin Abdulrahman and Randa M. Nouh
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Amro K. Bin Abdulrahman: Preventive Medicine, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 13317, Saudi Arabia
Khalid A. Bin Abdulrahman: College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 13317, Saudi Arabia
Randa M. Nouh: Joint Program for the Saudi Board of Preventive Medicine, Riyadh Field Epidemiology Training Program Training Center, Assistant Agency for Preventive Health, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 13317, Saudi Arabia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 24, 1-13

Abstract: The Saudi ministry of health (MOH) started the preventive measures very early on before having a single case of COVID-19. There were very few studies regarding the awareness and adherence to the preventive measures against COVID-19 among the Saudi population in the literature. Objectives: The study aims to examine the awareness and commitment to the strict Saudi government preventive measures against COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey targeted Saudi and non-Saudi populations aged 18+ in March–April 2020. The online questionnaire was designed to explore the participant’s sociodemographic data, washing hygiene habits, the general level of awareness regarding COVID-19, and the extent to which they adhere to the government’s strict instructions. Results: Out of the 2958 participants in the survey, 23% washed their hands for between 20 and 30 s, 59.6% washed their hands after shaking hands with other people, 67.9% washed their hands after use of other’s utilities, 65.9% had appropriately followed the MOH recommended guidelines for home quarantine and social distancing. People in different age groups differed significantly on their practiced hygienic practices score p < 0.001. Respondents’ educational level had converged considerably and positively on their clean proper prevention practices score, f(2838.3) = 15.70. Conclusion: The majority of the participants adhere to the strict government instructions regarding COVID-19 as they have to obey the law. Health sector employees measured significantly greater hygienic preventive measures and precautions in comparison to other sectors. More public health efforts should increase hygienic best practice scores to achieve the best outcome.

Keywords: COVID-19; preventive measures; hands hygiene; Saudi Arabia; SARS-CoV-2; public health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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