JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Healthcare workers are the frontiers against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The risk of transmission decreases with adequate knowledge regarding infection prevention methods. Previous studies showed that healthcare workers lack proper attitude and knowledge towards different viruses outbreak.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers toward COVID-19.

Methods:

A cross-sectional questionnaire of 563 participants were recruited from multiple cities in Saudi Arabia. An online survey was shared via social media applications, which consisted of questions to healthcare workers about general knowledge of COVID-19, and standard practices.

Results:

The mean age of the study population was 30.7 ± 8 years. Around 8% were isolated as a suspected case of COVID-19, and 0.9% were found positive. The majority agreed that social distancing, face masks, and hand washing are effective methods for preventing disease transmission. However, only 63.7% knew the correct duration of hand washing. Almost 70% were utterly obedient to hand hygiene, but less than half were completely compliant to wearing a face mask in public places. No significant differences between healthcare workers’ attitudes based on city of residence except in following curfew regulations. Almost one-third of the workers will either home isolate themselves or do nothing if they experience COVID-19 symptoms.

Conclusions:

Healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia showed sufficient knowledge in general information of COVID-19 but lack awareness in some crucial details that may prevent the disease spread. Intense courses and competencies assessment is highly recommended. Preventing the disease extension is the only option for the time being.