Factors affecting willingness to comply with public health measures during the pandemic among sub-Sahara Africans.

Obinna Nwaeze,Deborah Donald Charwe,Kingsley Agho,Bernadine Ekpenyong,Piwuna Christopher Goson,Richard Oloruntoba,Emmanuel K Abu,Uchechukwu L Osuagwu,Godwin O Ovenseri-Ogbomo,Khathutshelo P Mashige,Timothy Chikasirimobi G,Raymond Langsi,Tanko Ishaya

doi:10.4314/ahs.v21i4.17

Abstract

The unprecedented outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) drastically spread worldwide, resulting in extraordinary measures put in place in various countries including Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. To assess the factors associated with compliance with the public health measures imposed by various SSA countries. Cross sectional study using self-administered surveys distributed on social media platforms between April 18th and May 16th, 2020, corresponding with the mandatory lockdown period in most SSA countries. Multivariate analysis examined the associated factors. The prevalence of hand hygiene, quarantine, self isolation practices, wearing of face mask and attending large gatherings during COVID-19 were 94%, 39%, 31%, 64% and 14%, respectively. In multivariate models, older age 49+ years: adjusted OR 2.13, 95%CI 1.22,3.71), females (OR 1.41,95%CI 1.03,1.93), Central African countries (OR 3.73,95%CI 2.02,6.87) were associated with wearing face mask. Living alone (aOR 1.52,95%CI 1.04,2.24) during the lockdown was associated with avoiding large gatherings including religious events. Female respondents (aOR 1.61, 95%CI 1.30, 2.00), married (aOR 1.71,95%CI 1.33,2.21) and unemployed (aOR 1.62,95%CI 1.25,2.09) SSAs were more likely to practice self-quarantine measures. The low prevalence of mitigation practices suggest the need for targeted education campaign programs to sensitise the population.

Highlights

Since December 2019, a newly identified coronavirus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, SARS-CoV-2) was found to cause an outbreak of coro-African Health SciencesAfrican Health Sciences, Vol 21 Issue 4, December, 2021 uary 2020 1
Living alone during the lockdown was associated with avoiding large gatherings including religious events
This paper evaluated the public health measures at the individual and community levels enforced by African governments and considered the factors associated with compliance with these measures

Summary

Introduction

Since December 2019, a newly identified coronavirus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, SARS-CoV-2) was found to cause an outbreak of coro-African Health SciencesAfrican Health Sciences, Vol 21 Issue 4, December, 2021 uary 2020 1. The WHO interim guidance document of 7th March 2020 provided guidance to countries for responding to community transmission of COVID-19 through implementation of some public health measures appropriate to them[4]. The various public health measures adopted were at the national, community and individual levels. In spite of the good intentions of the governments, there were factors militating against citizens’ compliance to these measures Central to this was economic hardships resulting from these enforced restrictions. This research was designed to assess the adherence to public health measures adopted in selected African countries on COVID-19 as well as to broadly evaluate the factors that influenced compliance to these measures in order to plan appropriately for the future. The unprecedented outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) drastically spread worldwide, resulting in extraordinary measures put in place in various countries including Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) countries

Results

Discussion

Conclusion