COVID-19 pandemic fatigue among well-educated egyptian population: Cross-sectional study.

Aim: The study explores the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic fatigue among well-educated Egyptians measured in terms of their level of adherence toward COVID-19 protective measures along 20 months since the beginning of the pandemic. Setting and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2021, using an online questionnaire for well-educated Egyptians in different governorates. Results: A total of 888 participants completed the questionnaire, their mean age was 39 ± 7.2 years and 60% of them were females. There was a strong association between the presence of either behavioral risk factors or chronic conditions and % of infection. The main sources of COVID-19 information were social media, followed by the Egyptian Ministry of health and population and WHO websites. A pandemic fatigue was observed after nearly 7 to 10 months from the pandemic emergence. The participant's age, previous COVID-19 infection, and occupation status were significant predictors for adherence to COVID-19 protective measures. The participants claimed that difficulty in remaining at home, feeling uncomfortable with face masks, the high cost of protective supplies, absence of governmental enforcement, and forgetfulness are the most perceptive barriers hindering their adherence to COVID-19 protective measures. They suggested some strategies for better adherence and reduced pandemic fatigue that includes: the implementation of governmental enforcement measures, including penalties for nonwearing masks, educational health programs, and availability of free protective supplies at the workplace. Conclusions: Pandemic fatigue was observed after 7 to 10 months from the pandemic emergence even though the high education level of the participants.

Résumé Objectif: L'étude explore l'émergence de la fatigue liée à la pandémie de COVID-19 chez les Égyptiens bien éduqués, mesurée en termes de niveau de respect des mesures de protection contre la COVID-19 pendant 20 mois depuis le début de la pandémie. Cadre et conception: Une coupe transversal étude a été menée en octobre 2021, à l'aide d'un questionnaire en ligne destiné aux Égyptiens bien éduqués dans différents gouvernorats. Résultats: Un total des 888 participants ont rempli le questionnaire, leur âge moyen était de 39 ± 7,2 ans et 60 % d'entre eux étaient des femmes. Il y avait une forte association entre la présence de facteurs de risque comportementaux ou de maladies chroniques et le % d'infection. Les principales sources de COVID-19 les informations étaient les médias sociaux, suivis des sites Web du ministère égyptien de la santé et de la population et de l'OMS. Une fatigue pandémique a été observée près de 7 à 10 mois après l'émergence de la pandémie. L'âge du participant, sa précédente infection à la COVID-19 et son statut professionnel étaient des prédicteurs significatifs du respect des mesures de protection contre la COVID-19. Les participants ont affirmé que la difficulté à rester à la maison, se sentir mal à l'aise avec les masques faciaux, le coût élevé des fournitures de protection, l'absence d'application gouvernementale et l'oubli sont les barrières les plus perceptibles entravant leur adhésion aux mesures de protection contre la COVID-19. Ils ont suggéré quelques stratégies pour une meilleure adhesion et réduction de la fatigue pandémique qui comprend : la mise en œuvre de mesures d'application gouvernementales, y compris des sanctions pour non-port masques, programmes de santé éducatifs et disponibilité de fournitures de protection gratuites sur le lieu de travail. Conclusions: Une fatigue pandémique a été observée 7 à 10 mois après l'émergence de la pandémie même si le haut niveau d'éducation des participants. Mots-clés: COVID-19, Égyptiens, fatigue pandémique.

COVID­19 pandemic fatigue among well­educated Egyptian population: cross­sectional study

Aim: The study explores the emergence of COVID 19 pandemic fatigue among well educated Egyptians measured in terms of their level of adherence toward COVID 19 protective measures along 20 months since the beginning of the pandemic. Setting and Design: A cross sectional study was conducted in October 2021, using an online questionnaire for well educated Egyptians in different governorates. Results: A total of 888 participants completed the questionnaire, their mean age was 39 ± 7.2 years and 60% of them were females. There was a strong association between the presence of either behavioral risk factors or chronic conditions and % of infection. The main sources of COVID 19 information were social media, followed by the Egyptian Ministry of health and population and WHO websites. A pandemic fatigue was observed after nearly 7 to 10 months from the pandemic emergence. The participant's age, previous COVID 19 infection, and occupation status were significant predictors for adherence to COVID 19 protective measures. The participants claimed that difficulty in remaining at home, feeling uncomfortable with face masks, the high cost of protective supplies, absence of governmental enforcement, and forgetfulness are the most perceptive barriers hindering their adherence to COVID 19 protective measures. They suggested some strategies for better adherence and reduced pandemic fatigue that includes: the implementation of governmental enforcement measures, including penalties for nonwearing masks, educational health programs, and availability of free protective supplies at the workplace. Conclusions: Pandemic fatigue was observed after 7 to 10 months from the pandemic emergence even though the high education level of the participants