COVID-19 risk perception and protective behaviour among service providers at Yangon international airport

Abstract

Background: International travel and trade have been increasing at the greatest rate around the world and at the same time, several emerging and re-emerging public health emergencies are threatening the safety of people. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, risk perception, and protective behaviour of COVID-19 among the service providers at the major designated point of entry in Myanmar.Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out among 216 service providers at Yangon international airport by using online telephone interviews during 2020. Participants with at least 6 months duration of working service (both private and public sectors) in their current area were included. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors influencing the protective behaviour of COVID-19. Results: All participants have heard about the COVID-19 pandemic and about (63%) also knew that coronavirus was the causal organism of the pandemic. Of 216 participants, only 18.5% had a low knowledge level. Overall good perception level towards COVID-19 was moderate to high. Majority (81.5%) reported good protective behaviour. Knowledge and perception of participants on COVID-19 did not influence the protective behaviour in this study, however, female (aOR=6.64, 95%CI=1.85, 22.61), and those who had long working hours (12 hours shift) (aOR=3.36, 95% CI=1.60, 7.05) had better protective behaviour on COVID-19. Conclusions: Although few service providers with limited knowledge and protective behaviour, most had good perception levels on COVID-19. Regular risk communication and awareness-raising activities were needed to increase the protective behaviours among the service providers at the airports.