KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING EFFECTS OF COVID19 TO SMOKERS AMONG HEALTHCARE SEEKERS OF KING KHALID HOSPITAL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Cigarette smoking is a life threatening factor associated with COVID19 to individuals with respiratory infection. Public health has emphasized the treatment of tobacco use to prolonged life. Increasing awareness of smokers exposed to infection with COVID19 and tobacco products is important to encourage smoking cessation and prevents complication. Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitude on the effects of COVID19 to smokers among healthcare seekers Methods: A cross sectional design using convenience samples of 475 healthcare seekers were selected for the study. Validated self-contructed questionnaire was created to assess the knowledge and attitude among healthcare seekers. The data was collected using a link via email on each respondent. Confidentiality and anonymity was maintained during the conduct of the study. Analyses were carried out using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The findings of the study have shown that majority of the healthcare seekers were moderately knowledgeable regarding the effects of COVID19 to smokers. Conclusion: There is a significant association between knowledge and attitude towards the effects of COVID19 to smokers. Despite the moderate knowledge and attitude, health providers need to reiterate to their healthcare seekers the impact of smoking.