A Crisis within a Crisis: COVID-19 Knowledge and Awareness among the Syrian Population—A National Survey Assessment (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease that emerged from a wet market in Wuhan China and quickly exploded into a global pandemic. This coronavirus has overwhelmed public health systems worldwide, and forced governments to impose draconian lockdowns of entire populations. With no vaccine or treatment to date, it is of paramount importance to assess the public’s awareness about COVID-19 so that knowledge gaps among the population can be targeted with prevention-focused educational campaigns. The aim of this study is to examine the Syrian public’s awareness and knowledge regarding COVID-19.     Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study was distributed randomly in March 2020, nearly 10 year into the Syrian war crisis. The survey consists of a series of questions about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of the causative agent, incubation period, treatment, transmission pathways, clinical features, and prevention methods. Data was analysed using the statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0.Results: Of the 3586 participants, 68.2% were females, 50.8% were unemployed, and 79.2% were at college-educated. The study revealed good awareness regarding COVID-19 (mean 75.6%, SD±9.4%). Multiple linear regression analysis correlated knowledge scores with gender, education level, occupation, economic status, and the number of household members.Conclusion: This study revealed some potentially troubling knowledge gaps which underscore the need for a vigorous public education campaign. This campaign must reinforce the public's awareness, knowledge, and vigilance towards precautionary measures against COVID-19 and, most importantly aid in controlling the worldwide spread of the disease.