The Association of Knowledge, Perception and Attitude of COVID-19 with the Psychological Status of the Public in Saudi Arabia

Authors

  • Hayam Ibrahim Asfour Umm Al-Qura University
  • Nahla Hariri
  • Nahla Abdul-Gadir Tayyib Umm Al-Qura University
  • Fatmah Jabr Alsolami
  • Grace Lindsay

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association of knowledge, perception, and attitude of COVID- 19 with the psychological distress status of the public in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology:  A cross-sectional study was performed among 429 participants using an online survey after approval from Umm Al-Qura University in March 2020.  Data collection took three months during COVID- 19 outbreak (May-July 2020). An online survey was composed of items related to knowledge, perception, attitude, and the population's psychological status during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. Association tests were used at a significance level of < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.

Results: Nearly 80% of the participants had variable degrees of psychological distress. There were significant associations of perception (fear of being infected with COVID-19, (p < 0.05), fear of being in contact with patients with COVID-19 (p < 0.05), and fear of inability to continue their usual activities/work (p < 0.05), changes in social habits (p < 0.05), and following the precautional measures to prevent acquiring COVID-19 infection (p < 0.05) with psychological status. At the same time, the association of Knowledge regarding COVID-19 with psychological level was not statistically significant (p = 0.221).

Conclusion: Most of the participants had variable degrees of psychological distress. There were significant associations of most of the elements of perception and attitudes of the public regarding COVID-19 with their psychological distress. The public should implement psychological support programs during the pandemic to help them overcome COVID-19-related psychological distress.  

Keywords: Attitude, COVID-19, Knowledge, Perception, Psychological Status, Public

Author Biographies

Nahla Abdul-Gadir Tayyib, Umm Al-Qura University

 

 

Grace Lindsay

 

 

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Published

04-10-2022

How to Cite

1.
Asfour HI, Hariri N, Tayyib NA-G, Alsolami FJ, Lindsay G. The Association of Knowledge, Perception and Attitude of COVID-19 with the Psychological Status of the Public in Saudi Arabia. J Liaq Uni Med Health Sci [Internet]. 2022 Oct. 4 [cited 2024 Dec. 22];21(03):202-8. Available from: http://121.52.154.205/index.php/jlumhs/article/view/709

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 03 (2022): Journal of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences

Section

Original Articles

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