Introduction: There is emerging literature on the decline in adherence to preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, a phenomenon of pandemic fatigue (PF). However, academics and policymakers have debated its existence and consequences. We conducted this study to explore this phenomenon, its existence, determinants, and relation to adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, and the mediating role of resilience, fear of COVID-19, and electronic health literacy about COVID-19 in this relationship.

Methods: This cross-sectional online study was conducted from April to June 2021 using a convenience sample of 650 Saudi adults from all regions of Saudi Arabia using a reliable questionnaire. A structural equation model (SEM) was used for mediation analysis.

Results: The results revealed a moderate level of PF among Saudi adults. Younger patients experienced more PF. Fear of COVID-19 had a non-significant (p=0.127) effect on PF. SEM analysis revealed that both resilience and electronic health literacy significantly (p=0.000) mediated the relationship between PF and adherence to preventive measures, and acted as protective factors. In conclusion, there is evidence that PF exists and negatively affects adherence to preventive measures.

Conclusion: Policymakers should apply evidence-based programs to increase public resilience, particularly targeting young adults, as the results of the current study shed light on its protective mediating role against PF. Increasing electronic health literacy is an effective strategy for preventing PF through an increase in the perceived effectiveness of preventive measures.

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