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Public Response, Anxiety and Behaviour during the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Author

Listed:
  • Amani Salem Alqahtani

    (Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh 13513, Saudi Arabia)

  • Meshael Mohammed Alrasheed

    (Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh 13513, Saudi Arabia)

  • Ada Mohammed Alqunaibet

    (Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Riyadh 13354, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

This study aims to investigate public response attitude, anxiety, practices and trust in the authorities’ mitigation plan during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. A national cross sectional phone survey was conducted among Saudi residents aged 16 years and above. A total of 90,421 (45.2%) individuals participated in the study. Of those, the overall rate of COVID-19 correct knowledge was 82% (mean: 9.84); social media was the most reported source of knowledge. Younger age, low levels of education and foreign residents were associated with poor knowledge. Overall, 49.5% scored 5 or more on the GAD-7 test, indicating anxiety symptoms, 19.2% of them scored 10 and above, suggesting moderate to severe anxiety. Majority of participants (>78%) trusted and supported the interventions implemented by the government to control COVID-19. Social distancing practices among participants was as following, 72.5% stayed at home and avoid going out for nonessential business and 49.5% avoided attending social events and family gatherings. Trust in authorities, being anxious, worry and levels of knowledge about the disease, were the most common factors affecting adoption of the recommended practices. Continuous evaluation of public response about COVID-19, and the effectiveness of protective measures is essential to better inform policy-makers and identify ways of encouraging behaviour change among public during pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Amani Salem Alqahtani & Meshael Mohammed Alrasheed & Ada Mohammed Alqunaibet, 2021. "Public Response, Anxiety and Behaviour during the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4628-:d:544237
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nicole C. J. Brienen & Aura Timen & Jacco Wallinga & Jim E. Van Steenbergen & Peter F. M. Teunis, 2010. "The Effect of Mask Use on the Spread of Influenza During a Pandemic," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(8), pages 1210-1218, August.
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