COVID-19 Spread Acceptability, Attitude and Information Accessibility amongst Rural community in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rationale of Study – There are several pieces of unreliable information on the spread of the virus COVID-19. This leads to misconception on the existence and spread of the virus. It also affects the attitude of people, most especially the rural dwellers. This study investigates COVID-19 spread acceptability, attitude and information accessibility in a rural community in Delta State, Nigeria. Methodology – The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population for the study was 145,045. A sample of 0.1% of the population was used for analysis. Data was collected using questionnaires. The questionnaires were purposively administered to the sampled respondents in the homes of the ten (10) villages in Uvwie local government area in Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria. Findings – The study found that people no longer accept information on the existence and spread of the virus. This is because available information regarding the spread of the virus is either fake or unreliable. Consequently, individuals no longer see the need to adhere to the measures put in place to stop the spread of the virus. Implications – The study recommends an awareness campaign to be conducted on the spread of the virus in the rural communities. It also emphasises an altruist verification of all information concerning the virus as it will help to change the attitude of the populace. Originality – The manuscript is part of our recent study which was informed by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, and has not been submitted for evaluation on the purpose of publication in journal.