Knowledge, Behavior and Practices about Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Jizan region: Cross-sectional study 2020

Background: SARSCoV2 disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious ongoing pandemic that causes death worldwide. Unprecedented steps have been taken to contain the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in Saudi Arabia. Compliance with personal measures is influenced by their knowledge, behavior, and practices toward COVID-19. Aims: To determine the knowledge, behavior, and practice of COVID-19 among the population in Jizan City in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted on Jizan residents from December 2019 – April 2020. The data was collected through convenient sampling using internet-based surveys distributed to participants using the “snowball” technique. All residents over the age of 15 could participate in this study. Data analysis was performed using (SPSS). Results: A total of 527 participants were included in this study. The survey revealed that 52.4% of participants had good knowledge (8.8 ± 2.34 points out of 12), 60.9% had good behavior (7.4 ± 2.19 points out of 10), and 36.2% had good practices towards COVID-19 (7.9 ± 2.46 points out of 12). It was found that age and level of education were significantly associated with good knowledge about the COVID-19 virus (p < 0.01). Moreover, age and occupation were significantly associated with good behavior toward the COVID-19 virus (p < 0.01). However, Occupation was the only factor significantly associated with good practice toward the COVID-19 virus (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Jizan region residents show good knowledge and behavior toward COVID-19 prevention. However, it is not accompanied by good practice toward COVID-19 . Thus, text messages from health authorities and governments are recommended. The above-related factors should be considered in the application of those interventions. Keywords: COVID-19, Knowledge, behavior, Practices, Cross-sectional study