Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices (KAP) and Misconceptions in the General Population of Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Over six million cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reported globally by the second quarter of 2020. This study assessed the COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and misconceptions in Katsina State, Nigeria. The study is a cross-sectional survey of 722 respondents using an electronic questionnaire through the WhatsApp media platform. One thousand five hundred questionnaires were sent to the general public with a response rate of 48%. Among the respondents, 60% were men, and 56% held bachelor’s degrees and above. The respondents demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19 (80% correct rate on questions related to knowledge). Higher educational attainment was associated with both a higher average COVID-19 knowledge score and positive COVID-19-related practices. Overall, >70% of the respondents exhibited a positive attitude toward successful COVID-19 control. Males were more likely than females (Fisher’s exact test P value < 0.05) to have recently attended a crowded place. Among the respondents, 83% held at least one misconception related to COVID-19. Respondents at all education levels frequently chose to trust health units and healthcare workers for relevant COVID-19 information. In conclusion, although there is high COVID-19-related knowledge among the respondents, misconceptions are widespread. These misconceptions impact the short- and long-term control efforts against the disease and should be addressed in targeted campaigns. Healthcare personnel should be at the forefront of these campaigns.