Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care (Jan 2022)

COVID-19 and Saudi medical students: A cross-sectional study on knowledge, preventive behaviors, and risk perception

  • Naif R Altuwaijri,
  • Mohammed A Almatroudi,
  • Ibrahim A Alodhaibi,
  • Raghad Y Alnader,
  • Soltana M Alhabdan,
  • Abdulmalik Aloriney

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1791_21
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 9
pp. 5087 – 5092

Abstract

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Background: The knowledge, preventive behaviors, and risk perception of the COVID-19 pandemic among health care workers can affect virus transmission and control. As the primary individuals in contact with infected patients, health care workers risk infection. There are a few studies on the knowledge and self-practice prevention for COVID-19 among medical students. Objectives: This study evaluated the COVID-19-related knowledge, preventive behaviors, and risk perceptions among medical students and interns. Methods: This study used a quantitative cross-sectional evaluation of the Saudi Arabian medical students utilizing a previously published online survey in 2020. Results: The study questionnaire was completed by 474 respondents. The average knowledge and preventive behavior score was significantly lower in males. The reported source of information showed a statistically significant association with knowledge and was higher in the respondents who reported world health organization (WHO)/centers for disease control and prevention (CDC)/UpToDate as their main source of information. The National Guidelines of the Ministry of Health was the second source to be reported for seeking information. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between the knowledge and preventive measures scores. The respondents who did not follow any information regarding COVID-19 had significantly lower knowledge and preventive behavior scores than those obtaining knowledge from sources. The preventive behavior score was not significantly different between clinical and pre-clinical students. Conclusion: This study assessed the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of COVID-19 following the onset of the pandemic in Saudi Arabia, indicating an acceptable level of undergraduate students' knowledge regarding the epidemic and its control measures.

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