Hospital Visitors\u27 Awareness and Adaptation of Preventive Measures for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus

Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness, and to identify the practice reflection of knowledge concerning MERS on hospital visitor\u27s daily life. Methods: A cross-sectional study, conducted in two tertiary referral hospitals, Riyadh KSA from February 2015 to February 2016. A total random sample of 305 hospital visitors consented to participate. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire consisting of questions regarding awareness and practice of measures to prevent the spread of infection. Results: Study shows that Participants have a fair knowledge regarding the cause of MERS, (N=228, 74.8%). Nearly half of them (47%) stated that camels are the source of the spread of MERS. About 70% of the participants preferred both sanitization and wearing facemasks as preventive measures for MERS. However, only 3.95% practiced not eating camel products like milk and meat. Conclusion: Although Hospital visitors showed some knowledge and positive awareness in several aspects of MERS awareness. There are weak areas where knowledge and awareness were not up-to recommended guidelines. Continued educational programs are needed, to improve awareness and knowledge of all the public towards MERS-CoV infection. This study may assist in the development of future strategies on preventive measures of the diseas