Assessing Continuity of Adherence to Precautionary Measures for COVID-19 among Vaccinated People in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Adherence to behavioral respiratory hygiene practices is essential in preventing the transmission of COVID-19, especially given the appearance of new variants of the COVID-19 virus. This study estimated the pre- and post-vaccination levels of adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures among vaccinated people. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the sociodemographics and preventive behavioral measures, and pre- and post-vaccination data, via a questionnaire. Paired t-tests and Chi-squared tests were used to assess the variation in adherence levels. Results: Of the 480 participants, 57.9% were male, and 30.4% were aged between 30 and 39 years of age. After vaccination, there was a statistically significant decline in adherence to all the assessed behavioral protective measures (p < 0.05). Being 50 years old or older, female, a healthcare worker, and a smoker were associated with higher adherence levels compared with other groups in the same categories. Conclusions: A change in the behavior of the community members regarding COVID-19 after receiving the vaccination and a reduction in adherence to respiratory hygiene practices was observed. This indicates the importance of raising awareness about the possibility of reinfection with COVID-19 despite the vaccination, and the importance of behavioral respiratory hygiene for the prevention and control of COVID-19.

Changes in complacency to adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures and mental health after COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental healthcare professionals

“…Although vaccinated, these professionals remain at risk for contracting and transmitting COVID-19 if they do not consistently adhere to recommended preventive measures. 7 , 30 This finding underscores the critical need for continuous education and reinforcement of safety protocols within healthcare settings. To combat this complacency, policymakers and professional organizations must persist in their efforts, regularly revising and updating interventions to reflect the evolving dynamics of the pandemic.…”

Real-world effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines: A retrospective cohort study of vaccinated individuals in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

“…Though our investigation did not measure detailed demographic factors associated with BTI among these categories, several reasons can be postulated to explain the higher infection frequencies. In a study that assessed adherence to personal protective behavior against COVID-19 in the Jazan region among those who are vaccinated, it was concluded that older populations exhibited higher adherence levels than younger ones, which may partially explain the higher infection rates among younger populations [39] . Moreover, the higher incidence of BTI among Saudis can be explained in part by the possibility that expatriates working in Saudi Arabia are single and have lower frequency and intensity levels of social interaction than Saudis, making them less likely to contract the infection.…”