Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Study about Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) among Population in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an epidemic in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to measure the level of knowledge, attitude and practice about Coronavirus, to correlate the sociodemographic characteristics to the level of knowledge, attitude and practice about Coronavirus, and to explore awareness and health behaviors related to the prevention of Coronavirus. Method: A national adaptive cross-sectional survey conducted on 714 Saudi Arabian population aged from twenty to above sixty years old in period from March to April 2017. A standardized, confidential, Internet questionnaire used for a large randomly selected population in all regions of Saudi Arabia. Results: Out of 714 participants, women demonstrated a greater level of knowledge of MERS-CoV risk and prevention than men. Social media was the main source for providing information about MERS-CoV with (9.7%) excellent, (72.4%) fair and (17.9%) poor knowledge. Most participants had a good attitude toward privation of camel’s milk and meat if they are source of transmission of MERS-CoV. However, females had better attitude toward the privation of camel’s milk and meat (81.6%, p ≤ 0.001) than males (66.7%). Regarding safety precautions, the data suggested that males were significantly less than females in taking safety precautions and prevention by 0.563 time (OR: 0.563 (0.341-0.94), p≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Generally, participants have a high level of knowledge, positive attitude, and prevention practice toward MERS-CoV. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in knowledge level in different regions in Saudi Arabia. The females have better attitude toward MERS-CoV than males. The present study highlights the need to create wide-spread awareness about MERS-CoV infection among individuals who do not have access to the internet and social media through posters, television, and dissemination of information by healthcare professionals.