Abstract
This study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness, and to identify the practice reflection of knowledge concerning Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) on hospital visitor's daily life. A cross-sectional study, conducted in 2 tertiary referral hospitals in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, from February 2015 to February 2016. A total random sample of 305 hospital visitors consented to participate. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire consisting of questions regarding awareness and practice of measures to prevent the spread of infection. Study showed that participants have a fair knowledge regarding the cause of MERS (N = 228; 74.8%). Nearly half of them (47%) stated that camels are the source of the spread of MERS. Approximately 70% of the participants preferred both sanitization and wearing facemasks as preventive measures for MERS. However, only 3.95% practiced not eating camel products, such as milk and meat. Although hospital visitors showed some knowledge and positive awareness in several aspects of MERS awareness, there are weak areas where knowledge and awareness were not up to recommended guidelines. Continued educational programs are needed to improve awareness and knowledge of all the public toward MERS-coronavirus infection. This study may assist in the development of future strategies on preventive measures of the disease.
Highlights
Study Design and SettingThe present study used a cross-sectional study design to assess the knowledge and awareness, and to identify the practice reflection of knowledge concerning Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) on hospital visitor’s daily life
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses are a threat to the entire world.[1]
Almost two-thirds of the participants who believe that all animals are sources of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) together with (61%) who say that the camel is the only source of MERS prefer to avoid camels and its products completely
Summary
The present study used a cross-sectional study design to assess the knowledge and awareness, and to identify the practice reflection of knowledge concerning MERS on hospital visitor’s daily life. The study period was from February 2015 to February 2016 at 2 hospitals: (1) King Khalid University Hospital and (2) King Saud Medical City (Al Shimisi Hospital)
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