COVID-19 Recovered Cases: Analysis of Patients’ Compliance with Precautionary Measures and Communication Protocol Application

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19-recovered cases’ compliance with precautionary measures employed by the health authorities is critical for prevention of virus spread and to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the following amid COVID-19-recovered cases: (1) precautions’ compliance during and after the infection, (2) sources of information regarding precautions, and (3) Saudi MoH communication protocol with the infected cases. Methods: A descriptive phone-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on a national sample of COVID-19-recovered cases. Study participants were selected randomly from the National Saudi Health Electronic Surveillance Network (HESN) database. The study questionnaire included (1) sociodemographic, (2) questions that assessed compliance and source of knowledge about COVID-19 precautionary measures, (3) questions about the MoH communication protocol. Results: Of the 484 participants, there were 363 (75%) males and 89.7% were Saudis. Most respondents (85.3%) went for COVID-19 testing because they had symptoms either with or without confirmed case contact. About 70% of respondents adhered to quarantine from being tested positive for COVID-19. Cases commitment to precautionary measures did not change after recovery among 44.8%, while nearly 40% their commitment was increased compared to time before infection. The MoH communication protocol was conducted with satisfactory levels in relation to time of first contact, frequency, asking about list of contacts, and advising to download Tetamman application and its regular update. Females had lower levels of commitment to the precautionary measures after recovery and lower use of the MoH 937 call centre services during infection compared to males with p values of 0.036–0.014, respectively. Conclusion: A high level of compliance with COVID-19 precautionary measures was exhibited by COVID-19-recovered cases during and after recovery with moderate use of the MoH 937 call centre services and low-level awareness about MoH online guide.