Cross-sectional Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towardsthe COVID-19 Pandemic During the Lockdown Period in Nigeria

Abstract

People’s knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) have beenfound to besignificant metrics of success against the spread of COVID-19. A few studies have equally evaluated Nigerians’ KAP towards COVID-19 but were limited to one geo-political zone or selected cities in Nigeria. This study investigated the KAP of Nigerians towardsthe COVID-19 pandemic, covering all the36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Survey data were collected through and online questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 7 demographic variables, 6 knowledge-based questions, 5 attitude-based questions and 5 practice-based questions on COVID-19. The statistical analysis methods used included Kruskal Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, multiple linear regression, Chi-square test of independence and logistic regression models, accordingly. A total of 1320 respondents completed the questionnaire during the study period (between March 31 and April 28, 2020 inclusively). Among these respondents, 54.2% were male, 64.2% were between 25 and 54 years and 33.2% were involved in physical labour. There was overall a low percentage (45%) of correct knowledge (CK) about the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria when compared with China. This was suspected to be associated with infodemic. In general, there was more incorrect knowledge (IK) than CK of COVID-19 among the respondents. Theoverall percentage (67%) of correct practices (CP) against COVID-19was reported as being moderate. Findings revealed the need for the Nigerian government to control the practice of going to worship places and/or parties during the pandemic. Recommendation on strategic KAP towardsCOVID-19, infodemic control, suicide or self-harm prevention and non-Nigerian discrimination sensitization programme were provided in the study.