A Cross Sectional Study to Assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Toward COVID-19 among the Arts and Science Students in Farasan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new variable of the Coro-naviridae family. COVID-19 spreads primarily by contacting the virus either from a COVID-19-infected individual through coughing or sneezing or from COVID-19-contaminated surfaces. A Descriptive cross-sectional survey of 200 participants was conducted to explore the awareness, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 among the arts and science students studying at the University College of Farasan. Results: Of all the participants, 58% showed a moderate level of awareness, 70% presented a high attitude, and 56% presented an adequate practice regarding COVID-19. Significant positive correlation between awareness-attitude (r = 0.156, p-value < 0.001) and attitude-practice (r = 0.192, p-value < 0.001) were found. The majority of students with non-medical background agreed that the patient with COVID-19 could remain asymptomatic (p < 0.01) while considering the transmission route, the students from non-nursing background students were found more conscious (p < 0.01) that infection could spread through personal contact, respiratory droplets and possibly by feces. Despite the moderate public awareness, their attitude and practice were better. Therefore, public awareness must be improved to be prepared for epidemic and pandemic situations.