Determinants and adoption of Coronavirus prevention measures among residents of Addis Ababa: a health belief model

Abstract

Given the significance of addressing the knowledge gaps in the prevention and control of the disease, this study examined the knowledge, perceptions, and behaviour of individuals about COVID-19 in Addis Ababa. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and May 2020 via internet-based and face-to-face surveys using a health belief model (HBM)-informed questionnaire. A purposively sampled of 250 individuals from all sub-cities, aged18 and above took part in the study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyse the data. The findings showed that a large majority of respondents had appropriate knowledge about the symptoms and transmission mechanisms of COVID-19. Only around half of the people surveyed thought they were unlikely to acquire the disease. The majority of those surveyed said that taking preventative measures (proper hand washing, keeping physical distance, and staying at home) was critical in combating the disease. A large majority of the respondents reported difficulty in implementing the recommended preventive actions and a significant positive correlation was found between educational level and adoption of preventive actions. There was a discrepancy between respondents’ level of knowledge of the importance of taking coronavirus transmission prevention measures and the reported actual practice. Failing to translate knowledge about sickness symptoms and transmission pathways into behavioural action/change might obstruct measures to virus-combating. The study concluded that lack of knowledge or shortage of information among the population is not a prominent challenge, but resistance and negligence to adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures are. Hence, policy measures should be targeted at dealing with resistance and negligence.