Psychological Impacts and Attitudes of the Syrian Population Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic and Face Masks During the First Syrian Lockdown

Abstract Background This study assesses the attitudes and psychological impacts regarding COVID-19 and face masks among the Syrian population during the current pandemic and war. Methods A web-based cross-sectional Arabic survey design was employed. The survey was distributed in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and civil war in Syria. The survey contained items relating to socio-demographic characteristics and items assessing attitudes regarding COVID-19, and face masks. The chi-square test was applied to the questions against socio-demographic variables. Results Of the 4148 participants, 3053(73.6%) were female, and 3238(78.1%) were single. 423(10.2%) and 1573(37.9%) stated they had poor and moderate economic status respectively. Home quarantine has led to an increase in family problems 3016(72.7%) and has had a negative psychological impact upon 1666(40.2%) Syrians. 538(13.0%) are shy about wearing face masks in public. Conclusion Mountainous input from the Syrian government is needed to combat the threat of COVID-19 through targeted awareness campaigns and national helplines aimed at specific socio-demographic variables.