Essentials to prevent and live with COVID-19: An Explanatory Mixed Method Study at Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic in early 2020. Since then, the world has been facing repeated waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the vaccine against COVID-19 has been in action since December 2020, the time testing, effective coverage, and cross-immunity against various antigenicity are waiting for answers. Aim of Study: To determine the knowledge and understanding of the concepts of social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE), and its adherence among the owners and managers of supermarkets and major shops, which could be the main places for community acquired infection in Bisha City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods: An explanatory mixed method study was conducted among 45 participants (owners, managers and supervisors of super-markets and major shops) along with a qualitative technique Key Informant Interview that was carried out among 9 purposively selected managers and supervisors to further explore the factors influencing adherence to social distancing and PPE use in Bisha City, KSA. Demographic profile, knowledge, attitude and adherence on social distancing and appropriate PPE use were elicited by questionnaire. Several themes emerged with the Key Informant in-depth interview. Results: The action taken by the government to provide education on COVID-19 has reached the people evenly and equally. Owners were less understanding than other cadres on social distancing and use of PPE. There was a significant correlation between participants’ knowledge and their adherence level. The in-depth interviews revealed remarkable outcomes with several facilitating and hindering factors on social distancing and use of PPE. Conclusions: Actions taken by the government to provide education regarding COVID-19 spread and prevention have reached the target population evenly and equally. However, there is chance for improvement to prevent cross infection in the community work-place settings with stringent implementation of the norms of social distancing and scientific use of PPE. Key words: COVID-19, Social Distancing, PPE Use, Explanatory mixed method, Qualitative technique, Key Informant Interview