Assessment of Risk Perception of COVID-19 Post Vaccination amongst the General Population of Riyadh Region

Abstract

COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Vaccination against the virus was first approved in Saudi Arabia in December 2020. Vaccinated individuals are still at risk of getting infected with the virus and can transmit the disease. Therefore, the perception of vaccinated individuals regarding the disease can help limit the spread of the virus. Objectives: To measure the risk perception of COVID-19 following vaccination and factors that have an effect on risk perception; to identify the health protective behaviours of the vaccinated individuals. Methodology: This is a quantitative analytical cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. The target population includes individuals aged 18 and above who live in the Riyadh region and have been vaccinated, during the period of June 2021 to December 2021. Results: The perception of 30.2% of participants did not change after vaccination, with many participants continuing to “always” take precautions even after vaccination. Numerous factors, such as age, gender, marital status, occupational status, employment status, and total household income, have shown significant effects towards risk perception. Conclusion: Many vaccinated individuals have continued to take precautionary steps and their risk perception has not changed.