Children’s understanding of COVID-19 spread and its preventive strategies in Uganda: a cross sectional study among children aged 10 to 13 years in Hoima District

Abstract

Background: The control of COVID-19 among children is mainly dependent on preventive strategies including proper use of facemask s, hand hygiene etiquette and social distancing. Despite ongoing risk communication, it is not clear how children understand COVID-19 and the control measures. We described children’s understanding of COVID-19 transmission and the preventative strategies in Uganda. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study, between July and September 2020, among a random sample of 372 children (10 to 13 years) in Hoima district. We collected data using a structured questionnaire and observation checklists to elicit information on children’s knowledge on COVID-19 transmission, its symptoms, preventive strategies and also their practices on handwashing and wearing a facemask. Descriptive analysis was conducted to summarize and describe children’s knowledge and performance of COVID-19 preventive strategies. Results: Of the 372 participants, 94.35% were attending primary education. Overall, 75.40% knew that Coronavirus is spread through droplets; 85.21% knew at least one symptom, particularly cough (58.33%) and flu (58.06%); and 82.26% mentioned at-least four COVID-19 prevention measures unprompted. However, 2.15% correctly washed their hands as per the WHO 6-point handwashing standard. None followed all the WHO recommended steps when putting on a facemask and only 0.54% (2/372) followed the recommended steps when removing a facemask. Conclusion: Although most children were knowledgeable about COVID-19 transmission, signs and symptoms, and the preventive measures, a few could correctly demonstrate how to wash hands and how to wear or remove a facemask. Efforts for risk communication among children should focus on how they can perform Covid-19 preventive measures.