Perceptions and opinions of Nigerians to the management and response to COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Obinna Ositadimma Oleribe,Samuel Aikhuomogbe,Olatayo Olawepo,Babatunde Salako,Zaidat Adesola Musa,Oliver Chukwujekwu Ezechi,Princess Osita-Oleribe,Michael Fertleman,Ifeoma Eugenia Idigbe,Simon David

doi:10.11604/pamj.2021.40.185.31824

Abstract

Introductionwe present a qualitative analysis of opinions of the Nigerian general public as to how successful healthcare strategies have been in containing the COVID-19 outbreak.Methodsan online qualitative survey was conducted, consisting of 30 semi-structured questions.Resultsfour hundred and ninety-five (495) respondents participated, ranging in age from 18 to 59 years. Over 40% of all respondents were critical of public health information. Participants saw provision of social support measures (n = 83), lack of economic, financial and social support (n = 65), enforcement of restrictions on movement outside the home, availability of face-masks and social distancing (n = 53) and provision of COVID-19 testing (n = 48) as the major things that were handled poorly by the government and health authorities.Conclusionwe advocate coordinated forward planning for public safety until vaccines are widely available; while social distancing should continue. Policymakers need to be adaptable to changing conditions, given fluctuating case numbers and fatality rates.

Highlights

COVID-19 is still a new global phenomenon and like every new challenge, it is fraught with management and containment challenges
The exact same 495 respondents who participated in this study, took part in the original quantitative study [5], of which 482 (97.4%) respondents were resident in Nigeria
Three important priorities set the pace for a post-COVID-19 reality check and these are: planning for future pandemics through the procurement and supply of essential healthcare products, including protective equipment (PPE) and specific training of frontline medical personnel; strengthening crisis management and response through harmonisation of regional pandemic management committees to be coordinated at a national level and greater provision of healthcare funding for public health awareness campaigns

Summary

Introduction

COVID-19 is still a new global phenomenon and like every new challenge, it is fraught with management and containment challenges. Under WHO aegis, most nations developed or adopted management protocols quickly and put these into use without prior consideration of their effectiveness in handling the disease outbreak in different communities Some policies, such as social distancing, hand washing, “stay at home” orders and self-isolation/quarantine measures were adopted almost uniformly without thought on their applicability in different cultures, where education on modern disease concepts were rudimentary or absent [3]. Such measures were implemented rapidly without thought as to their economic consequences or on societal mental health and well-being in areas of the world where there was little concept as to what a “virus” may be [3]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion