Abstract
Saudi citizens' perceptions of community stakeholders involved with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were assessed using the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM) model. Responses of 329 employees and students of King Abdulaziz University were analysed for their perceptions and protective actions taken in response to the risk of contracted COVID-19. Respondents rated the effectiveness in protecting themselves from COVID-19 by implementing six protective actions: staying home, physical distancing, cleaning surfaces, washing hands, using hand sanitiser and wearing a mask. They also reported the extent to which they had executed those protective actions. In addition, they rated six stakeholders: the Ministry of Health, government officials, news media, social media, peers (friends and relatives), and immediate family members on four characteristics. The extent to which each could be trusted, was responsible for their protection, had the knowledge needed to deal with the pandemic, and were relied upon for COVID-19 information. The results showed that perceived response efficacy is the strongest predictor of protective action implementation, and perceptions of the Ministry of Health are the best predictor of perceived response efficacy. These results have important practical implications that government agencies should address in future pandemics. CONTRIBUTION: There is limited understanding about the Saudi citizens' perception of stakeholders, especially with regard to the protective actions taken in response to COVID-19. Using the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM), this study provides insights into effectiveness of stakeholders and protective action in Saudi Arabia.