Abstract

Background: Following the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of exposure to infection. This study was designed to assess the awareness, perception, and practices toward COVID-19 infection and disease among HCWs in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on HCWs working at different hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The data were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire in Arabic. The questionnaire comprised four sections assessing demographic, knowledge, attitudes, and practice. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the factors associated with whether the participants were concerned about COVID-19.
Results: More than half (63.8%) of the HCWs worked in direct contact with the patient. The majority (83%) of the respondents had various degrees of worry about COVID-19. The respondents had a good knowledge of COVID-19 and demonstrated a positive attitude toward prescribed protective measures, with 73.2% and 82% practicing regular handwashing and wearing face masks, respectively. Forty-two percent of HCWs perceived that they were at a high risk of being infected. The sex and number of years on the job of HCWs were significant predictors of the concerns about COVID-19.
Conclusion: The majority of HCWs have excellent knowledge and awareness related to COVID-19 and its symptoms, which probably translated to a positive attitude toward preventive behavior and perception of the risk of the disease.

Key words: COVID-19, coronavirus, healthcare profession, prevention, Saudi Arabia.