Public Knowledge, Attitudes and Behavior Towards Zika Virus in Saudi Arabia

Aim: To assess Public knowledge, attitudes and behavior towards Zika virus in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional survey conducted for a period of 2 months from June-2016 to July-2016. Knowledge scoring was given basedon the percentage of correct responses. Data were collected using a self-prepared questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Associationof respondent?s knowledge score with sex, age group, and educational level, was analyzed by Chi-square test. Results: The total sample size of the present study was 284 members, of which 187 were males and 97 were females. There was no statistical difference regarding Zika virus infection in the knowledge between both genders. There was no statistical difference regarding Zika virus infection in the knowledge between age groups. The majority of respondents were found by completing secondary schooling with 66 (36.7%), followed by no education with 50 (27.8%), primary schooling in 45 (25%), and finally completing graduate with 19 (10.5%). There was significant difference in knowledge between education level groups (p<0.0001). 35.6% of them didn?t hear about Zika virus, while 30.6% hear about the virus in the previous few months and 26% knew about it in the last year. About 46 % don?t know if there is a treatment of Zika virus infection while about 11 % they said yes there is a treatment. The majority of them 57 % don?t take any measure to protect themselves from the virus, 39.4% who said no they don?t know how to protect themselves. 44% don?t know if there is a national or global organization to protect them or their family from the virus and 45.4 %they don?t know while 10.6 % they said yes. When they asked how to protect themselves from mosquito\\\'s bite or decrease the mosquito\\\'s exposure 64.1% said all of above (keep the environment clean, clean the body and hands and sterilization of water, don?t keep collect water) while 20.1% don?t know the exact protection way. Conclusion: There is lack of public knowledge about Zika infection transmission, symptoms, treatment and prevention, thus needs more education by health facilities and social media.