Public Perception Toward COVID-19 Disease Nature, Susceptibility to Complication, and Relationship to Influenza: A Cross-Sectional Study from Yemen

Abstract

Background: Following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) declaration as a pandemic, Yemen has started applying preventive measures to prevent its spread. This study aims to identify the perception regarding the nature of the COVID-19 disease, susceptibility to severe forms of the disease, and its relationship to seasonal influenza among the population of Yemen. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of the public in Yemen. The relationship between participants� sociodemographic factors and their responses was assessed by the chi-square test. Results: A total of 748 participants agreed to participate in the study. Regarding the nature of the diseases, nearly half of the participants (48.8%, n=352) believed that COVID-19 is a naturally occurring human virus that is a serious and fatal disease (61.2%, n=448). The majority (74.9%; n=518) did not agree that bacteria cause COVID-19. More than half of the participants (57.5%, n=423) believed this disease is transmitted to humans through a host animal. Regarding the vulnerable groups to develop severe COVID-19 infection, most of the participants pointed out that the elderly (94.3%, n=705), people with chronic diseases (89.9%, n=669), and pregnant women (53%, n=365) were more susceptible to severe diseases. Regarding symptoms, the majority (61.9%, n=458) of the participants agreed that the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of seasonal influenza. Additionally, the majority (81.9%, n=579) agreed that some individuals develop more severe symptoms than seasonal influenza, particularly those with chronic illness. Gender, age, and education were found to be associated with participants� perceptions regarding the nature of the virus and susceptibility to severe disease. Conclusion: Participants demonstrate a good understanding of the nature and susceptibility to complications associated with COVID-19 disease and its relationship to influenza. However, the respondents with a lower level of education might require additional educational campaigns to improve their awareness of the disease.