Perceived Knowledge and Practices regarding COVID-19 among Residents in RAK Emirate - UAE during the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background:to combat the rapid spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE, unprecedented steps have been taken. Public's knowledge and practices about COVID-19 have an impact on their adherence to control measures.

Aim:  to assess the knowledge and practices regarding COVID‑19 among Residents in RAK Emirate - UAE during the Pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted on a sample (204) of clients attending Primary Health Care Centers in Ras Al-Khaimah Emirate from September to December 2020).Systematic sampling technique used to recruit the study participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Predesigned self-administered structured questionnaire to collect the data composed of the following parts: Part [1] socio-demographic, and information sources regarding covid19. Part [2] knowledge statements about covid19 and Part [3] practice statements about covid19.

Results: The mean age of the study group was 32.11±11.4. More than three quarter were females. The main sources of information were internet (86.8%). Most of the study group had sound knowledge and proper practices about Covid-19. The age and occupation were the independent factors affecting the overall knowledge and practice of the study group with statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: There were a positive correlation between the health care workers, family and friends and official web sites as a source of information and the overall practice of the study group with statistically significant. The public had sound knowledge and proper practice in different issues related to Covid-19. Good public knowledge about COVID-19 are helpful in maintaining safe practices. Hopefully, under the combined efforts of UAE authorities and all residents, UAE surely will win the battle against COVID-19 in the near future.