Attitudes and Practices of the Public Toward Precautionary Measures Post-COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to assess the practices and attitudes of the general population towards coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID)-19 after the removal of precautionary and preventive measures in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population in all regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from September 2022 to October, 2022 via a virtual survey to evaluate the practices, and attitudes of the general population towards COVID-19. A stratified random sampling technique was applied to collect the sample with inclusion criteria for all individuals who are Arabic language speakers using social media platforms. The individuals selected for this study were 18 years and older.

Results

A total of 2406 responses were received for the study questionnaire. Most of participants (66.3%) were females aged 18 to 29 years (61.8%). Half of the participants reported a positive history of COVID-19 infection. Nearly 90% of participants still wear masks, 80% attended a crowded event, and 60% often wash their hands even though the Saudi government has erased the precautions. Females, young (30–39 years) and elderly (60 years and over) individuals, singles, those with a postgraduate degree, those who are employed, and healthcare workers were more likely to adhere to COVID-19 precautionary measures (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The study’s findings indicate that most of the population discontinued practicing precautionary measures after lifting the measures in Saudi Arabia. More public health initiatives should raise the scores of sanitary best practices to prevent the spread of viral illnesses.

Keywords:

• attitudes
• COVID-19
• contact precautions
• practices
• precautions
• post-COVID-19 pandemic

Data and Materials Availability

All data are available on reasonable request from the corresponding author.

Ethical Approval

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia gave their clearance. This study was conducted in accordance with the World Medical Association (WMA) Declaration of Helsinki.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interests.

Additional information

Funding

This study has not received any external funding.