Community perception and preventive health behaviours towards COVID-19 in an urban area in North-East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: To contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in a community will depend largely on the people’s good perception and practice of laid down preventive measures. The objective of this study was to assess the perception and practice of preventive measures against COVID-19 among residents of Gembu community in Taraba State, North-east Nigeria.
Methods: The study was descriptive cross-sectional. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Participants were selected by a 2-stage sampling technique. Excel spread sheet and Epi info 7.2.1.0 were used for data entry and analysis. Bivariable analysis was done to evaluate the practice of preventive measures.
Results: Four hundred and twenty-seven (427) respondents participated in the study. The median age was 36 (25-50) years. Places of worship were the highest source of information about COVID-19 (53.9%). Majority of the respondents (86.4%) perceived that COVID-19 was a serious disease, less than one-half (46.3%) believed that wearing nose masks can prevent against COVID-19 infection. Overall practice of known preventive measures was above average (58.8%). There was statistically significant association between perceived severity of disease (p<0.001), educational level (p=0.001), type of occupation (p=0.002) and good practice of preventive measures.
Conclusion: Perception and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures were above average in the community. More sensitization of the populace through all available media sources is advocated. Provision of palliatives to people whose source of livelihood is worst affected by the pandemic should also be considered by all stakeholders.