Evaluation of preparedness of healthcare student volunteers against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

• DOI: 10.1007/s10389-018-0917-5
• Publication Date: 2018-04-14T18:04:57Z
• Authors: Mahmoud E. Elrggal; Nedaa A. Karami; Bushra Rafea; Lama Alahmadi; Anwar Al Shehri; Ruba Alamoudi; Hassan Koshak; Saad Alkahtani; Ejaz Cheema
• Keywords: Preparedness; Cross-sectional study; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Coronavirus Infections; Coronavirus; Betacoronavirus; Pandemic

To assess the knowledge and attitude of senior medical, dental, nursing pharmacy students toward Middle East respiratory syndrome-corona virus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey using a 21-item questionnaire was conducted for 3-month period from November 2015–January 2016 Makkah, The designed to evaluate students' understanding perception MERS-CoV. An ANOVA test used determine association study discipline academic year with student score on MERS. total 364 were assessed during study. majority (62%) participants 20–22-year age group. More than half (53%) followed by (22%) medical students. two thirds (71%) aware that MERS is caused coronavirus. (59%) believed can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact infected camels. statistically significant reported between mean (p < 0.0001) achieving an overall better compared other disciplines. Overall, had good about epidemiology, transmission recommended protective measures. However, expressed their reluctance work healthcare facilities inadequate infection control isolation policies.