Understanding knowledge and behaviors related to COVID–19 epidemic in United Arab Emirates undergraduate pharmacy students: A cross-sectional study

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) claimed until now more than 730.000 lives globally. Prevention and infection control measures were implemented in many countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Frontline healthcare workers in health care settings and pharmacists are susceptible to be infected by the virus. During a pandemic, the knowledge, attitude and practice of these two groups play a major role in saving lives and reducing infection rate. The aim of this study was to assess COVID-19 related knowledge, self-reported preventive behaviors and risk perception. This cross-sectional study was conducted during the first two weeks of April, 2020. We assessed pharmacy students’ knowledge, preventive behaviors and risk perceptions of COVID-19 using an online questionnaire. Questions were based on the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and the reliability of the questionnaire was shown to be satisfactory. The study revealed a good level of knowledge about the pandemic and its control. A positive relationship was observed between the knowledge and attitude of participants. We found a high level of COVID-19 related knowledge and self-reported preventive behaviors among pharmacy students in the UAE especially in students of senior levels. This study helps the authorities to develop strategies in future pandemics regarding healthcare system shortages