Awareness, Health Seeking Behaviors and Preventive Measures towards
COVID-19 among Najran University Students
Abstract
Background: New corona virus (COVID-19), as an international health
threat poses a challenge to physical and psychological resilience
globally. The aim of this survey is to explore the level of awareness,
health seeking behaviors and preventive measures towards COVID19 among
Najran university students. Methodology: By adopting a convenient
sampling technique, a cross-sectional study was carried out at Najran
university. A self-reporting electronic questionnaire had been utilized
for collecting data. A total of 684 students were voluntary completed
the questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the participants was
20.2±14.1, The most cited source for obtaining information about
COVID-19 was the social media (51%). Females showed higher level of
knowledge and awareness about the symptoms of the disease than males
(74.3% vs 69.9%) respectively, although the difference was not
significant with (P-value >0.05). In regard to compliance
with preventive measures, medical students were significantly aware and
complying with various preventives measures towards COVID-19 (P-value
<0.05). Moreover, females seem to be very keen in seeking
medical advices when needed significantly more than males
(P-value<0.05). Almost more than 66% of the respondents know
the recommended precautions in terms of wearing masks, not to touch
outdoors surfaces directly and avoiding crowded places. 556(81.3%) of
the participants believe that they should wear face masks outdoors. 6%
of the participants prefer to take some herbs daily in different forms
to avoid getting infected with COVID-19. Females had an overall higher
mean of tension level towards getting infected than males (mean± SD was
5.61 ±1.65 vs 4.55± 1.63) respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded
that our students have high level of knowledge and awareness about
COVID-19, beside positive attitudes preventive measures and acceptable
health seeking behaviors. It is highly recommended to assess the entire
Najran community level of awareness so as to design educational programs
when needed.