Abstract
BackgroundThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global challenge. Improving public awareness about preventive measures and disseminating appropriate information about COVID-19 has a critical role in containing the disease.AimTo evaluate and determine the factors that may affect the level of awareness and responses toward COVID-19 in Arab countries. The study could be helpful in identifying where more public education about COVID-19 is needed.MethodThis cross-sectional, online descriptive questionnaire-based study was conducted in February and March 2020. A total of 485 participants from Arabic-speaking countries (Jordan, United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Palestine, and Egypt) were asked to complete this Arabic-translated survey using social media platforms (Facebook and WhatsApp).ResultIn general, there was a good level of awareness of the participants regarding COVID-19. Higher awareness scores were significantly correlated with older participants [odds ratio (OR) 1.019; 95% CI 1.012–1.026], those who attended awareness campaigns [OR 1.212; 95% CI 1.081–1.358], secondary school education holders [OR 1.740; 95% CI 1.096–2.763], higher education diploma holders [OR 2.090; 95% CI 1.297–3.368], university degree holders [OR 1.969; 95% CI 1.265–3.066], those who have post-graduate education [OR 2.206; 95% CI 1.393–3.493], and healthcare employees [OR 1.259; 95% CI 1.025–1.547].ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic is causing global panic; thus, awareness and practices of preventive measures of COVID-19 should be increased through public educational campaigns, which should be planned in accordance with communities’ and countries’ attitudes toward COVID-19. Collaborative efforts between ministries of heath and residents of every country should be implemented.
Highlights
IntroductionThe emergence of new virus strains has been one of the challenging global concerns
For many decades, the emergence of new virus strains has been one of the challenging global concerns
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing global panic; awareness and practices of preventive measures of COVID-19 should be increased through public educational campaigns, which should be planned in accordance with communities’ and countries’ attitudes toward COVID-19
Summary
The emergence of new virus strains has been one of the challenging global concerns. In 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is responsible for mild to severe respiratory infections, emerged for the first time in a Chinese city called Wuhan [2]. This novel strain in the coronavirus family, which includes the viruses that are responsible for both SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These diseases share the symptoms of respiratory infection, such as cough and fever [3]. Improving public awareness about preventive measures and disseminating appropriate information about COVID-19 has a critical role in containing the disease
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