Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 among university students in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia: Lessons learned, and the way forward
Author(s): Alaa S Banjar* and Amnah N Yamani
Abstract
Introduction: The impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major issue globally. The pandemic had impacted many places including factories, restaurants, transportation, schools, and universities. Aim: The main aim of this work was to assess the awareness of undergraduate students toward COVID-19 and to identify their main sources of information. Methods: an online google form was distributed among undergraduate university students with a total of 692 respondents obtained between February and March. Results: We found that university students were aware of the main precautions taken to prevent COVID-Infection. However, more importantly there was confusion about the mode of transmission - including viral transmission through animals and undercooked meat. Conclusions: This study shows that for future outbreaks: 1- communicating through social media is an effective method to relay important information. 2-University students have excellent Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19. 3-authorities can improve public awareness about minor events such as rare symptoms and mode of transmission. This will help ease confusion and limit the spread of wrong information.