COVID 19: Knowledge, opinions and prevention among the populace

Abstract

Objective: There was a lot of panic when the COVID-19 pandemic started because a lot was not known about it. However, as the disease unfolded, proven scientific universal precautions are recommended to curb its spread.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional online survey of people living in Nigeria. Questionnaires were distributed to consenting participants using the SurveyMonkey and data was collected on sociodemographic knowledge of the aetiology and prevention of COVID-19. Analysis was done with the SPSS version 25.

Results: Eighty-five participants with age ranging from 18 to 60 years took part in the study. The mean age was 37.35 ± 11.7years. Forty-seven (47%) had knowledge that COVID-19 infection is from a virus. 29.4% thought it is caused by biological weapons, 1.2% from 5G internet, 7.1% as government’s ploy to embezzle money and 9.4% conspiracy theory from the world leaders to reduce world’s population. All participants knew that hand washing is a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19 and majority agreed to the use of sanitizers, social distancing and disinfection of surfaces. Only 30.6% agreed that wearing of facemasks will serve as a preventive measure. Over 90% of the participants agreed that dissemination of appropriate information, use of universal precautions, isolation and intensive treatment of those infected can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 11.8% of participants knew that additional precautions are needed for aerosol generating procedures.

Conclusion: The knowledge of COVID-19 aetiology is poor among the populace and the need to wear face masks as a preventive measure in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 needs to be emphasized.