Abstract
IntroductionCoronavirus (Covid-19) is a respiratory disease mostly affecting old aged and those with comorbidities. Due to resource constraints in developing countries, control of Covid-19 was based on preventive measures. However, there is variation in adherence to these precautionary measures from place to place among communities. Therefore, this study assessed the practice of Covid-19 preventive measures and associated factors among residents of Southern, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was employed on residents of Southern, Ethiopia. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from households through systematic random sampling methods. Data was entered, coded, and analyzed using STATA version 16. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between outcome variables and predictor variables. Finally, the interpretation of Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and p-value was done for statistically significant factors of Covid-19 preventive measures practice.ResultsThe proportion of residents who had good practice of Covid-19 preventive measures was 31.3% (95% CI: 26.5, 36.1). Out of 364 residents, 264 (72.5%) used facemasks, 218 (59.9%) washed their hands frequently, 167 (45.9%) practiced social distancing, 135 (37.1%) stayed at home, 75 (18.1%) avoided handshaking and 228 (62.6%) used hand sanitizer. Following government directions (AOR = 225; 95% CI: 68.6, 738), good knowledge about Covid-19 (AOR = 3.47; 95% CI: 1.12, 10.73), having access to water supply (AOR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.05, 8.18), belief towards protectiveness of preventive measure (AOR = 3.53; 95% CI: 1.08, 11.61) and chronic illness (AOR = 5.09; 95% CI: 1.44, 17.96) were significantly associated with practice of Covid-19 preventive measures.ConclusionIn this study, the proportion of residents practicing Covid-19 preventive measures was low. Having comorbidity, following government directions, knowledge about Covid-19 and access to water supply were significantly associated with Covid-19 preventive measures practice. Therefore, government and all concerned stakeholders should increase the accessibility of infrastructure and provide continuous awareness creation campaigns regarding Covid-19 mode of transmission, sign and symptom, and protectiveness of Covid-19 preventive measures. Moreover, dissemination of teaching aids using local languages and close monitoring of community compliance to Covid-19 preventive measures is crucial.
Highlights
OPEN ACCESSCitation: Kaso AW, Hareru HE, Agero G, Ashuro Z (2021) Assessment of practice of Covid-19 preventive measures and associated factors among residents in Southern, Ethiopia
The proportion of residents who had good practice of Covid-19 preventive measures was 31.3%
Following government directions (AOR = 225; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 68.6, 738), good knowledge about Covid-19 (AOR = 3.47; 95% CI: 1.12, 10.73), having access to water supply (AOR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.05, 8.18), belief towards protectiveness of preventive measure (AOR = 3.53; 95% CI: 1.08, 11.61) and chronic illness (AOR = 5.09; 95% CI: 1.44, 17.96) were significantly associated with practice of Covid-19 preventive measures
Summary
Coronavirus (Covid-19) is a respiratory disease mostly affecting old aged and those with comorbidities. Due to resource constraints in developing countries, control of Covid-19 was based on preventive measures. This study assessed the practice of Covid-19 preventive measures and associated factors among residents of Southern, Ethiopia. Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is a new life-threatening pandemic affecting mainly old aged people and those with comorbidity [1, 2]. By November 4, 2021, Covid-19 cases reached 247,472,724 with 5,012,337 deaths globally. Until November 4, 2021, 6,092,498 confirmed cases, with 150,428 deaths were reported from African countries including Ethiopia. Ethiopia reported its first Covid-19 case on 13 March 2020. Ethiopia has reported 366,424 cases and 6,509 deaths until 4th November 2021 because of this pandemic [4, 5]. Countries have closed schools and Universities, ordered obligatory quarantine, restricted public gatherings like mass sport, meetings, and religious festivals to reduce the spread of the virus
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