Abstract

This cross-sectional study examines community practices during the COVID-19 outbreak in Sana’a city, Yemen, highlighting the challenges faced by a fragile healthcare system amidst ongoing war, a seven-year blockade, and a recovery from previous epidemics of cholera and diphtheria. Limited testing capacity has compounded the difficulties in managing the pandemic. The study assessed the symptoms, protective measures, awareness, and perceptions of COVID-19 among residents of Sana’a. The most frequently reported symptoms among participants included fever (62.8%), fatigue (74.3%), severe headache (72.7%), loss of smell and taste (57.2%), dry cough (55.8%), and throat pain (66.8%), with severity ranging from mild to severe. Traditional herbs were widely used as part of community practices, emphasizing their perceived role in enhancing immunity. These findings underline the need for improved diagnostic capabilities and community-focused interventions to address the pandemic in Yemen's unique and challenging context.