ABSTRACT
Objective: The recently emerged coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared as a pandemic by the WHO in March 2020. The knowledge and awareness of the general populations about the modes of the disease transmission deemed extremely important in preventing the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to determine the knowledge and awareness of the Saudi population in Asir region towards the COVID-19. Design and Setting: A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted by recruiting 715 participants. A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to the participants that comprised several sections including the demographics, sources of medical information, acquaintance of mode of the virus transmission, diagnostics and preventive measures of the infection. Method(s): Data analysis was executed through SPSS program version 26. Result(s): Significant differences in the knowledge and attitude of Saudi population towards COVID-19 based on the differences in marital status (p=0.036), place of residence (p= 0.012), use of electronic devices (p =0.043), and sources of information (p <0.001) were observed. Non-significant variations in the average scores over the genders (p=0.616), age groups (p=0.252), educational level of parents (p=0.685), educational level of children (p=0.822), number of children (p=0.5), employment status (p=0.079), monthly income (p=0.339) and internet access (p =0.227) were noted. Conclusion(s): Although, the general knowledge and awareness about the different elements pertaining to COVID-19 among the population in the study area are satisfactory to assist in the control of the infection, more directive measures are to be implemented to improve that awareness.Copyright © 2023, Bahrain Medical Bulletin. All rights reserved.