Public perception of access to health information during covid-19 pandemic in saudi arabia as a predictor of psychological distress

Abstract

Background: People’s perception about access to resources is an important determinant of their trust to deal with challenge. There is a lack of research about role of perceived access to information in psychological reactions during pandemics. Objective: The purpose of the research was to examine the role of perceived access to information in determining quality of life and psychological responses during pandemics. Method: Data for this study came from an online cross-sectional survey conducted during COVID-19 outbreak. The sample comprised of 754 participants from various regions of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The survey questionnaire obtained data on socio-demographic profile, participants’ ratings about positive or negative impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on access to information. The distress is measured through subscales of depression, anxiety and stress on DASS-21. Statistical analysis of data was carried out to determine the nature of association between access to information with distress during pandemic. Results: About three quarter (74.7%) of the respondents perceived not enough health information toward the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants diagnosed with COVID-19 had significant positive correlation with access to health information, while faith had negative correlation. Access to information had significantly positive correlation with Quality of Life and positive psychological responses. Conclusions: The impact of pandemic on access to information was largely considered negative and associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety and stress. Findings have significant implications, which demonstrate improving access to information not only crucial for infection control but also mitigate the psychological costs of such pandemics.