Abstract
Face masks (FM) play a role in limiting the spread of viral infections; despite this, their role is influenced by the population's adherence to wearing the FM. However, the impact on the effectiveness of the FM is variable in various communities. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices toward FM use during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. This observational “cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.” The data was collected using an online questionnaire survey from September 8–21, 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices using single choice questions and a five-point Likert scale. Among 1,356, respondents' the rate was 678 (50%), 207 (30.5%) were males and 471 (69.5%) females. Among the participants, Saudi citizens were (649; 95.7%), with University education (502; 74%) and were mostly (368; 54.3%) between 16 and 24 years of age. The participants (384; 56.6%, p < 0.001) had good knowledge about face masks, and more than half of the respondents, 531 (78.3%) (p < 0.001), showed a positive attitude. Most of the respondents (477, 70.2%) believed that everyone could use the face mask to minimize the spread of the disease; however (111; 16.4%) reported that they would not wear a face mask if the government did not recommend wearing it in public places during the COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi citizens have above-average knowledge and optimistic attitudes toward using face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The community is convinced about the face masks and believes that face masks play a predominant role in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Highlights
The “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2)” is a highly contagious, challenging, and threatening illness that swiftly spreads worldwide [1]
This study investigates the knowledge, attitude, and practices of using face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The community is convinced about using face masks and believes that face masks play a predominant role in limiting the spread of the viral infection, SARS-CoV-2
Summary
The “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2)” is a highly contagious, challenging, and threatening illness that swiftly spreads worldwide [1]. As of October 29, 2021, worldwide, the total number of SARS-CoV-2 cases is 245,373,039, and deaths 45,979,421 (2.02%). Since the first case in KSA, the Saudi authorities have managed the COVID-19 pandemic by setting and following protocols to secure their citizens’ lives. Which significantly contributes to minimizing and limiting the pandemic around KSA cities [5]. All of that played significantly in shaping the curve of COVID-19 cases and deaths in KSA. Wearing face masks has been imposed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Face masks play a predominant role in limiting the spread of the viral infection SARS-CoV-2. This study investigates the knowledge, attitude, and practices of using face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
