Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an emerging global health concern. Because of no vaccine or curative medicines to date, individuals have become afraid of being infected with the virus. Thereby, this study aimed to investigate the apprehension of acquiring COVID-19 and fear of visiting the emergency department in relation to demographic, regional, and educational variations in Najran region, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and community-based study that enrolled 1,384 inhabitants of Najran (58.5% male and 41.5% female), with a mean age of 33 ± 4 years. A validated, electronic, and Arabic-translated questionnaire was uploaded online for the general population. The questionnaire included demographic details, chronic health problems, and COVID-19 psychological impact data.
Results: The fear sensation was low in 69.1% of the study population. The age group of 35-44 years was significantly (p = 0.001) associated with a low fear sensation. Males significantly (p = 0.003) had low fear of visiting the emergency unit, with a tendency of calmness in those living in Najran city (p = 0.061) and Najran governorate areas (p = 0.081).
Conclusion: There was a low level of fear among the participants. Individuals of middle age, male participants, and those living in Najran city and Najran governorate areas showed a significantly lower level of fear.
Key words: COVID-19, fear, emergency unit, Saudi Arabia, Najran.
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