Knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 epidemic preparedness and response among health care workers in Makkah city

OBJECTIVE: This study determined and examined the knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and response measures by health care workers (HCWs) in Makkah city. METHODS: This descriptive study used a quantitative method with a cross-sectional design. A survey (questionnaire) collected data from 251 HCWs working in 10 hospitals and 80 health care centers. RESULTS: The total score for the knowledge level was high (range: 50–76, mean ± SD = 65.370 ± 4.805). There was a relationship between the participants’ workplace and education levels to the nature of the disease (p = 0.009*, 0.037*, respectively). Job descriptions were related to the transmission of the disease (p = 0.003*). The participants’ age groups and years of experience were also associated with their actions in suspected, probable, and confirmed cases (p = 0.015*, 0.03*, respectively). The HCWs’ knowledge of precautionary measures was not related to their demographic data, except for the education level shown (p = 0.037*). DISCUSSION: A similar level of knowledge and awareness was detected in Saudi Arabia in Riyadh and Al-Jouf, the UAE, Vietnam, and Uganda. Further study is recommended to measure the factors affecting HCWs’ knowledge and awareness during an epidemic situation.