A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward COVID-19 among Students and Staff in Asir, Saudi Arabia during the Second Wave of the Pandemic.

Abstract

To assess the KAP on COVID-19 among students, teaching staff, and administrative staff in the Asir region for the first time. A questionnaire-based survey cross-sectional study was conducted from 10 February to 10 March 2021 using an online questionnaire. In the survey of students and staff in educational institutes in the Asir region, the target population were well informed about COVID-19; in 10 out of 13 questions, more than 80% of the respondents answered correctly. The attitude of the target populations was quite positive. They were worried about the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. The target populations were concerned (94.8%) for their kith and kin not to get infected. The target populations agree with the precautionary measures that were taken by Saudi authorities. A positive association was found between knowledge and practices as well as knowledge and attitudes of the target population. A significantly positive association was observed between attitudes and practices of the educational institutes' respondents in Asir, Saudi Arabia. The students and staff in educational institutes in the Asir region have a high level of knowledge about COVID-19, have a positive attitude toward it, take proper precautions against it, and are enthusiastic about the COVID-19 vaccine.