Abstract
Background and Aims: The widespread COVID-19 and its detrimental impact have prompted governments to exert comprehensive protective measures to mitigate such effects. Recognizing the considerable positive impact of knowledge and awareness on individuals’ behaviors, Saudi Arabia was one of the few countries that responded promptly to constrain the spread of the pandemic among its population and invested profoundly in awareness campaigns to educate the public about the virus. We aim to evaluate the level of knowledge about COVID-19 among the public before the first case was confirmed in Saudi Arabia and investigate associations between the level of knowledge about COV- ID-19 and selected variables.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey (n =737) to measure knowledge about COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic. Multiple regression analysis was performed to study the associations between knowledge and participant characteristics.

Results: Overall, an above-average knowledge level about COVID-19 among participants was observed. Multiple linear regression modelling showed nonsignificant associations between being a healthcare provider and knowledge about COVID-19 and the participant’s age and knowledge of COVID-19. Only the sex of the participant (0.47, p < 0.01) was a significant predictor of knowledge about COVID-19.

Conclusions: In pandemics such as COVID-19, early and comprehensive interventions to raise awareness among the population are necessary to expand people’s knowledge, which directly influences adhering to recommended measures. However, there is a gender gap in knowledge about COVID-19 that must be examined to inform future health interventions and policies.

Key words: Cross-sectional study, COVID-19, knowledge, behaviour, coronavirus