This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted to explore readiness with regard to the sudden shift towards emergency remote teaching and its correlation with perceived effectiveness, satisfaction, anxiety and attitudes among instructors in Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Data were gathered using an online questionnaire on readiness and perceptions of effectiveness, attitudes and satisfaction relating to the emergency remote teaching, as well as the anxiety resulting from it. Pearson’s test was performed to assess the correlations between different parameters. The results of the study showed that readiness in terms of emergency remote teaching was high, at 44.9% among instructors, while 64.8% of them scored moderately regarding their perception of the emergency remote teaching’s effectiveness. A positive attitude towards emergency remote teaching was reported by 18.5% of the instructors, although a high level of satisfaction was observed in 79.6% of the cases, and 38.7% showed no anxiety. A positive and significant correlation was obtained between a readiness to shift to emergency remote teaching and perceived effectiveness, attitudes and satisfaction (r = 0.2 and p < 0.01); however, anxiety showed a significant moderate negative correlation with perceived effectiveness (r = −0.35) p < 0.01, attitudes (r = −0.33) p < 0.01 and satisfaction (r = −0.44), p < 0.01. In conclusion, instructors at PNU were ready to provide emergency remote teaching, which led to high perceived effectiveness and levels of satisfaction, while the high level of anxiety could be attributed to stressful circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background The control measures during COVID-19 such as curfew, lockdown, and social distancing had observed differences in controlling the spread of the disease around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; however, they might contribute to psychological illnesses such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and distress. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess psychological distress and the factors affecting it among general population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Seven hundred and thirty-nine people completed an online questionnaire which included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Psychological distress was found among 35% of the study sample. Western and northern regions reported higher rates of distress. In addition, higher rates were found among younger and unmarried individuals. Distress was significantly positively correlated with perceptions of susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infection, and the fear to lose a job as a result of the pandemic and the related precautions. Conclusion Psychological support programs should be provided targeting high-risk groups of younger and unmarried population. Further research should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological support interventions.

This research aims to investigate the learning experiences and anxiety levels of students attending the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (CHRS) at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), Saudi Arabia, during the sudden shift to virtual learning in response to COVID-19. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among CHRS students (N = 254). Data was collected using an online questionnaire. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationships between student perceptions of responsibility and independence in their learning during emergency remote teaching (ERT), the impact of ERT on learning goal achievement, and student anxiety levels. Results showed that 66.5% of participants scored moderate in their perceptions of independence and responsibility in their learning experiences. In addition, 54.3% of the students achieved their learning goals. Moreover, 20.9% of students reported that they had

Objectives: Infectious diseases are the most common cause of disease stigmatisation, which can lead to a denial of healthcare, education, housing, and employment, as well as physical violence. Stigmatisation is common during pandemics. This study set out to examine the social stigmatisation of COVID-19 among resident of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Riyadh in May 2020. Non-probability convenient sampling was used to recruit the 847 participants through social media and WhatsApp. Descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation coefficient, and a chi-square test were used, as well as a multiple linear regression model. Results: The study revealed a high level of stigma among 21% of participants and an intermediate level in almost 49% of participants. Low stigma was indicated among 30% of the study sample. A highly significant association existed between stigma and older age groups, married individuals, and participants with lower levels of education. Conclusions: Future programmes should educate patients and their families about stigma, as well as the consequences of stigmatising COVID-19. Stigma eradication policies and interventions should be implemented to avoid potential consequences for public health. Keywords: social stigma, COVID-19, Saudi Arabia, pandemic.

Introduction: This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to use the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) model as a framework to assess compliance with preventive measures against COVID-19 among residents of the city of Riyadh. Methodology: In May 2020, electronic study questionnaires on Microsoft Forms were distributed to a sample of 886 Riyadh residents via social media and WhatsApp groups. Results: We found that the participants had good knowledge. However, less than half of the participants exhibited positive attitudes and good practices toward COVID-19. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between their practices, attitudes, and knowledge. The most practiced behaviours among the participants were (1) a commitment to home quarantine, (2) the use of a tissue or the inside of an elbow when coughing or sneezing, (3) hand washing for a minimum of 20 seconds, and (4) sterilization of surfaces/equipment and wearing masks in public places. Regression analysis showed that knowledge, attitudes, and age were the three factors that could predict the practices of preventive behaviours against COVID-19. Conclusions: A higher likelihood of practicing preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with one’s total knowledge and attitude scores. Future educational campaigns are recommended to focus on residents’ susceptibility to COVID-19, its severity, mask wearing, and the disinfection of surfaces and appliances when targeting public audiences. In addition to raising awareness, public policies that support preventive practices would improve the likelihood of compliance.