A Community-Based Study on the Knowledge and Practices towards COVID-19 Prevention in Binunga Village of Rwanda

Abstract

Introduction: Background: COVID-19 has become the fifth documented pandemic since 1918, threatening to widen inequalities globally. Binunga village recorded an increase in COVID-19 cases, which was attributed to the limited community knowledge and practices of COVID-19. Therefore, the need to ascertain knowledge and practices in Binunga village on COVID-19 preventive measures during the pandemic. 

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was utilized. Simple random sampling was used to select 198 respondents for data collection using face-to-face interviews. 

Results: In this study, all 198 respondents (100%) demonstrated awareness of COVID-19. A significant proportion of respondents, 90.4%, 95.5%, and 99%, respectively, possessed knowledge of the causes, associated risk factors, and the potential for COVID-19 to be cured. Moreover, 80.3% and 68.7% of the respondents were aware of the main modes of transmission and recognized the symptoms of COVID-19. Interestingly, a majority of respondents (64%) were unaware of self-isolation measures, while 21% demonstrated awareness, and 15% correctly stated a duration of 14 days for isolation accompanied by symptom monitoring. In terms of preventive measures, all respondents (100%) reported wearing face masks, 98% engaged in hand washing, 46.5% practiced social distancing, and 6.6% made necessary movements. Additionally, 95.5% of respondents reported being vaccinated, while 27.8% observed self-isolation in the presence of COVID-19 symptoms, and 72.2% sought treatment. 

Conclusion: The residents of Binunga exhibited commendable knowledge of COVID-19 and preventive measures, emphasizing effective public health communication and the need for targeted interventions to address remaining knowledge gaps.