KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTIONS, AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICES TOWARDS COVID-19 DURING THE EARLY STAGES OF THE OUTBREAK AMONG SAUDI PEOPLE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Knowledge of and adherence to preventive measures concerning the transmission of coronavirus disease (2019) (COVID-19) remain the frontline strategies to control its spread. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the knowledge, perceptions, and preventive practices towards COVID-19 among the general Saudi population. Methods: A 40-item self-administered online questionnaire concerning knowledge and preventive practices towards COVID-19 was developed and validated. The questionnaire was highly reliable (standardized Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89). Results: A total of 2024 participants were included (60% men; age range: 18 to 73 years). Estimated median knowledge and preventive practices score were 63 (IQR = 59–67) and 63 (IQR = 54–68) respectively. The results reflected high levels of knowledge and preventive practices among the participants. The knowledge score and preventive practices score were significantly differed by educational level, work status, region, and purpose of leaving one’s house. Correlation analyses demonstrated a significant weak correlation between knowledge and preventive practices (r=0.056, p=0.012). Conclusion: This study indicates that majority of Saudi people having above average level of knowledge and preventive practices towards the COVID-19. Health education programs must be designed to target less educated residents and expatriates. The findings provide a baseline for the knowledge, perceptions, and preventive practices towards the COVID-19 pandemic among Saudi Arabian residents at the early stages of the outbreak.