Awareness, Seeking Behaviors and Preventive Practices towards COVID-19 among Najran University Students

Abstract

Background: New corona virus (COVID-19), as an international health threat poses a challenge to physical as well as psychological resilience in the affected countries. Objective: The aim of this survey is to explore the level of awareness, health seeking behaviors and preventive measures towards COVID19 among Najran University students. Methodology: By adopting a convenient sampling technique, an observational and cross-sectional study was carried out at Najran University, Najran city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A self-reporting electronic questionnaire had been utilized for collecting data. Results: A total of 684 students voluntarily completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 20.2±4.1 The most cited source for obtaining information about COVID-19 was the social media (51%). Females showed higher level of knowledge and awareness about the symptoms of the disease than males (74.3% vs 69.9%) respectively, although the difference was not significant with (P-value >0.05). Concerning compliance with preventive measures, medical students were significantly aware and complying with various preventives measures towards COVID-19 (P-value <0.05). Moreover, females seem to be significantly more keen in seeking medical advice when needed than males (P-value <0.05). Almost more than two-third of the respondents know the recommended general precautions in terms of wearing masks, not to touch outdoors surfaces directly without gloves and avoiding crowded places. 556 (81.3%) of the participants believe that they should wear face-masks outdoors. Interestingly, 6% of the participants thought that they prefer to take some herbs daily in different forms to avoid being infected with COVID-19. Additionally, females had an overall higher Mean tension level towards being infected than males (Mean± SD was 5.61 ±1.65 vs 4.55± 1.63) respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded that the students have high level of knowledge and awareness about COVID-19, beside positive attitudes to preventive measures and acceptable health seeking behaviors. It is highly recommended that the entire Najran University community level of awareness be assessed to design and implement educational programs when needed.