COVID-19 pandemic: an online-based survey of knowledge, perception, and adherence to preventive measures among educated Nigerian adults

Oyetunde T Oyeyemi,Abiodun A Ajiboye,Jennifer K Kone,Yinka D Oluwafemi,Akinola Mosobalaje,Adebisi M Tiamiyu,Iyadunni I Anuoluwa,Wasiu O Adebimpe,Roseangela I Nwuba,Oghale O Ovuakporie-Uvo,Caleb O Obajaja,Babawale P Olatunji,Isaac A Adesina,Oluyemi A Okunlola,Ifeoluwa T Oyeyemi,Victoria O Oladoyin

doi:10.1007/s10389-020-01455-0

Oyetunde T Oyeyemi, Abiodun A Ajiboye + Show 14 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-020-01455-0

Copy DOI

Abstract

AimsOne of the ways to manage the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is to monitor the public knowledge, risk perceptions, adherence to preventive measures, and level of preparedness behaviors. This is important in resource-limited countries. This study determined the knowledge and perception regarding COVID-19; adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures; as well as predictors of self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 among Nigerian adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among Nigerian adults ≥18 years using an online survey. A convenience sampling method was utilized to recruit a total of 1022 study participants. The participants were recruited using the authors’ social media networks. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a 5% level of statistical significance.ResultsGenerally, a high proportion of respondents had correct knowledge about COVID-19. However, only approximately half (49.8% and 49.9%) had correct knowledge that obesity was a risk factor for COVID-19 and that antibiotics cannot be used to treat COVID-19. Most (84.1%) did not have a self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19. Most (81.0%) have been avoiding crowded places and 61.3% washed their hands frequently. Predictors of self-perceived risk of COVID-19 were age 40–59 years (OR 2.05, CI 1.217–3.435), ≥ 60 years (OR 4.68, CI 1.888–11.583), and visiting crowded places (OR 2.27, CI 1.499–3.448).ConclusionOur study recommends more rigorous public health education aimed at improving COVID-19 outbreak response in Nigeria. In addition, physical and social distancing should be emphasized across all age groups with additional focus on the older population.

Highlights

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a major public health concern since December 2019 when it was first detected in Wuhan, China
Our study recommends more rigorous public health education aimed at improving COVID-19 outbreak response in Nigeria
To curtail the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Nigeria, a total lockdown was first imposed on two states (Lagos and Ogun states) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while others were subjected to a partial lockdown

Summary

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a major public health concern since December 2019 when it was first detected in Wuhan, China. The causal virus called the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly infectious and the disease has recorded more than 19 million cases within the space of approximately eight months of the outbreak. As of August 5, 2020, 215 countries of the world (Worldometer 2020) have been affected by the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 and it still has a high chance of reaching many new territories. As of the time of this report, there were 44,433 confirmed cases, from which 31,851 and 910 have recovered and died, respectively (Worldometer 2020). To curtail the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Nigeria, a total lockdown was first imposed on two states (Lagos and Ogun states) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while others were subjected to a partial lockdown. As at the time of this report, the lockdown has been relaxed for the recovery of the economy

Methods

Results

Conclusion