Commitment to protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in Syria: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 continues to impose itself on all populations of the world. Given the slow pace of vaccination in the developing world and the absence of effective treatments, adherence to precautionary infection control measures remains the best way to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from spiraling out of control. In this study, we aim to evaluate the extent to which the Syrian population adheres to these measures and analyze the relationship between demographic variables and adherence. METHODS: This cross-sectional study took place in Syria between January 17 and March 17, 2021. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire was distributed in both electronic and printed versions. Our sample consisted of 7531 individuals. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS v.25. The chi-square test was used to address the correlation between adherence and demographic variables. RESULTS: Of the 10083 reached out, only 8083 responded, and 7531 included in the final analysis with an effective response rate of 74.7%. Of them, 4026 (53.5%) were women, 3984 (52.9%) were single, and 1908 (25.3%) had earned university degrees. 5286 (70.25) were in the high level of adherence category to protective measures. Statistically significant differences were documented when investigating the correlation between commitment to preventive measures and age, sex, marital status, financial status, employment, and educational attainment. Furthermore, those who believed that COVID-19 poses a major risk to them, or society were more committed to preventive measures than those who did not. CONCLUSION: The participants in this study generally showed a high level of adherence to the preventive measures compared to participants in other studies from around the world, with some concerns regarding the sources of information they depend on. Nationwide awareness campaigns should be conducted and focus on maintaining, if not expanding, this level of commitment, which would mitigate the pandemic's impact on Syrian society.

Knowledge and attitudes about influenza and the common cold in Syria post COVID-19: A qualitative study.

Background: The common cold and the influenza are common infections that are frequent in the community. In this study, we estimate the level of knowledge regarding those diseases among the Syrian population in the COVID era as it is important to have this knowledge for future health planning and policies. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted from November to December in 2021. A structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed as Google Forms on social media platforms and hard copies of the questionnaire to patients, their companions, or workers in public hospitals. Chi-square test and Mann Whitney test were used to study the associations between categorical groups. Results: This study included 13013 participants, 7856 (60.4%) were females, 78.4% were younger than 31 years old, only 3518 (27%) knew that the common cold and the influenza were caused by viruses, 6146 (47.2%) reported that runny nose was the most annoying symptom, 75.6% of the participants believed that antibiotics could kill viruses, and 7674 (58.9%) had fears from symptoms of common cold and influenza because of covid-19. Females were statistically significantly more knowledgeable and had more fears from the infection compared with males. Conclusion: This study showed a low level of knowledge among the Syrian population. The view of influenza and common cold have changed after COVID as they are now taken more seriously. Many efforts should be made to spread awareness, effective management, and reducing antibiotic misinformation.

COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among Syrian population: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 continues to spread globally and in the absence of an effective treatment, the vaccine remains the best hope for controlling this disease. In this study, we seek to find out the extent to which people in Syria accept the Corona vaccine and what are the factors that affect their decision. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Syria during the period from January 3 to March 17, 2021. A structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed in two phases: The first phase included distributing the questionnaire as a Google Form on social media platforms. In the second phase, a paper version of the questionnaire was handed to patients, their companions, and workers in public hospitals. SPSS v.25 and R v.4.1.1 were used to analyze the data. Pearson Chi-square test and Logistic Regression were used to study the associations between categorical groups. RESULTS: Of 7531 respondents, 3505 (46.5%) were males and 4026 (53.5%) were females. 3124 (41.5%) were 18-24 years old. Healthcare workers were participants' main sources of information (50.9%), followed by Social Media users (46.3%). 2790 (37%) of the participant are willing to be vaccinated, and 2334 (31%) were uncertain about it. Fear of possible side effects was the main reason for the reluctance to take the vaccine 1615 (62.4%), followed by mistrust of the vaccine formula 1522 (58.8%). 2218 (29.5%) participants think COVID-19 poses a major risk to them personally. Vaccination intention was significantly associated with gender, residence, financial status, educational level, and geographic origin. CONCLUSION: This study showed very negatively important results. The study participants Vaccination acceptance rate is almost the lowest when compared to its peers. A Lot of efforts should be made to correct misinformation about the vaccine and answer all questions about it, especially with a health system that has been ravaged by war for 10 years.