Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards COVID-19 in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review; 2020

Examining students' level of understanding toward COVID-19 and its associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate students' understanding of COVID-19 in Ethiopia and identify associated factors. The primary goal is to pinpoint key contributors shaping students' perception and comprehension of the virus. The study aims to offer valuable insights for developing targeted educational interventions, ultimately enhancing students' overall knowledge and awareness of the pandemic in the specific context of Ethiopia.

Methods

The study adhered rigorously to PRISMA criteria, ensuring a standardized methodology. Data from reputable databases like Google Scholar and PubMed were systematically collected. Ten relevant articles were meticulously analyzed using STATA version 11, with heterogeneity assessed by the I2 test. A funnel plot and Egger's test were used to check for publication bias. The determination of the pooled effect size utilized a random-effect model meta-analysis, offering a robust 95% confidence interval.

Results

This meta-analysis, based on 10 articles, reveals an overall prevalence of 61.58% (95% CI: 47.26-75.89). Significant contributors to students' comprehension include Social media users (AOR) = 2.38, urban residence AOR = 3.31, news media followers AOR = 2.51, fathers' educational status AOR = 2.35, watching television AOR = 4.71, and health science students AOR = 4.21. These findings underscore crucial elements shaping students' understanding of COVID-19 in Ethiopia.

Conclusion

Our analysis indicates that 61.58% of Ethiopian students possess a good understanding of COVID-19. Factors such as active social media engagement, geographic location, frequency of news consumption, father's level of education, television viewing habits, and enrollment in health science programs significantly influence their comprehension. These findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions to enhance health literacy and education among students, thereby facilitating a more effective response to pandemics.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 among chronic disease patients: A global perspective

Background

Chronic health conditions were significantly correlated with an increased clinical severity of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and a heightened risk of COVID-19 mortality. This study aims to determine global knowledge, attitudes, and practices (Knowledge Abuse Profile) of the patients with chronic diseases toward COVID-19.

Methods

The study was initiated in December 2019 and extended until April 2023, during which an extensive search for relevant English-language literature was conducted as part of this systematic review and meta-analysis. Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, Springer, and ProQuest were utilized for the search. The quality of included studies was assessed using a quality rating checklist created by Joanna Briggs Institute for cross-sectional research. In the STATA software version 14, inverse variance and Cochran Q statistics were used for statistical analysis to assess heterogeneity among the studies. The Dersimonian and Liard random-effects models were applied in cases where heterogeneity existed.

Results

A total of 23 studies involving 14,587 patients contributed to this meta-analysis. These studies comprised 21 studies focused on knowledge, with 6864 participants, 12 studies on attitudes involving 3597 patients, and 12 on practices, encompassing 4126 patients. The pooled estimates for sufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and COVID-19 preventive behaviors among chronic disease patients were determined as 48.2% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 33.9%-62.5%), 60.8% (95% CI: 46.8%-74.8%), and 58.3% (95% CI: 39.5%-77.0%), respectively. Over the years, there was a consistent decrease in adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and COVID-19 preventive behaviors among the population. Specifically, regarding knowledge, the rates declined from 50.2% in 2020 to 49.7% in 2021 and dropped to 45.1%. Similarly, the percentage of individuals with a positive attitude fell, decreasing from 64.1% in 2020 to 60.3% in 2021 and dropping to 57.9% in 2022. Furthermore, COVID-19 preventive behaviors showed fluctuations, with the rates recorded at 63.7% in 2020, increasing to 75.4% in 2021, and then decreasing to 47% in 2022, in line with the publication dates of included studies.

Conclusion

The findings of meta-analysis show a significant decrease in the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to preventative interventions for COVID-19 among individuals with chronic diseases. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, and ongoing education to address this trend.

Communication to promote and support physical distancing for COVID-19 prevention and control

BACKGROUND

This review is an update of a rapid review undertaken in 2020 to identify relevant, feasible and effective communication approaches to promote acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing measures for COVID-19 prevention and control. The rapid review was published when little was known about transmission, treatment or future vaccination, and when physical distancing measures (isolation, quarantine, contact tracing, crowd avoidance, work and school measures) were the cornerstone of public health responses globally. This updated review includes more recent evidence to extend what we know about effective pandemic public health communication. This includes considerations of changes needed over time to maintain responsiveness to pandemic transmission waves, the (in)equities and variable needs of groups within communities due to the pandemic, and highlights again the critical role of effective communication as integral to the public health response.

OBJECTIVES

To update the evidence on the question 'What are relevant, feasible and effective communication approaches to promote acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing measures for COVID-19 prevention and control?', our primary focus was communication approaches to promote and support acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE

to explore and identify key elements of effective communication for physical distancing measures for different (diverse) populations and groups.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from inception, with searches for this update including the period 1 January 2020 to 18 August 2021. Systematic review and study repositories and grey literature sources were searched in August 2021 and guidelines identified for the eCOVID19 Recommendations Map were screened (November 2021).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Guidelines or reviews focusing on communication (information, education, reminders, facilitating decision-making, skills acquisition, supporting behaviour change, support, involvement in decision-making) related to physical distancing measures for prevention and/or control of COVID-19 or selected other diseases (sudden acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), influenza, Ebola virus disease (EVD) or tuberculosis (TB)) were included. New evidence was added to guidelines, reviews and primary studies included in the 2020 review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Methods were based on the original rapid review, using methods developed by McMaster University and informed by Cochrane rapid review guidance. Screening, data extraction, quality assessment and synthesis were conducted by one author and checked by a second author. Synthesis of results was conducted using modified framework analysis, with themes from the original review used as an initial framework.

MAIN RESULTS

This review update includes 68 studies, with 17 guidelines and 20 reviews added to the original 31 studies. Synthesis identified six major themes, which can be used to inform policy and decision-making related to planning and implementing communication about a public health emergency and measures to protect the community. Theme 1: Strengthening public trust and countering misinformation: essential foundations for effective public health communication Recognising the key role of public trust is essential. Working to build and maintain trust over time underpins the success of public health communications and, therefore, the effectiveness of public health prevention measures. Theme 2: Two-way communication: involving communities to improve the dissemination, accessibility and acceptability of information Two-way communication (engagement) with the public is needed over the course of a public health emergency: at first, recognition of a health threat (despite uncertainties), and regularly as public health measures are introduced or adjusted. Engagement needs to be embedded at all stages of the response and inform tailoring of communications and implementation of public health measures over time. Theme 3: Development of and preparation for public communication: target audience, equity and tailoring Communication and information must be tailored to reach all groups within populations, and explicitly consider existing inequities and the needs of disadvantaged groups, including those who are underserved, vulnerable, from diverse cultural or language groups, or who have lower educational attainment. Awareness that implementing public health measures may magnify existing or emerging inequities is also needed in response planning, enactment and adjustment over time. Theme 4: Public communication features: content, timing and duration, delivery Public communication needs to be based on clear, consistent, actionable and timely (up-to-date) information about preventive measures, including the benefits (whether for individual, social groupings or wider society), harms (likewise) and rationale for use, and include information about supports available to help follow recommended measures. Communication needs to occur through multiple channels and/or formats to build public trust and reach more of the community. Theme 5: Supporting behaviour change at individual and population levels Supporting implementation of public health measures with practical supports and services (e.g. essential supplies, financial support) is critical. Information about available supports must be widely disseminated and well understood. Supports and communication related to them require flexibility and tailoring to explicitly consider community needs, including those of vulnerable groups. Proactively monitoring and countering stigma related to preventive measures (e.g. quarantine) is also necessary to support adherence. Theme 6: Fostering and sustaining receptiveness and responsiveness to public health communication Efforts to foster and sustain public receptiveness and responsiveness to public health communication are needed throughout a public health emergency. Trust, acceptance and behaviours change over time, and communication needs to be adaptive and responsive to these changing needs. Ongoing community engagement efforts should inform communication and public health response measures.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Implications for practice Evidence highlights the critical role of communication throughout a public health emergency. Like any intervention, communication can be done well or poorly, but the consequences of poor communication during a pandemic may mean the difference between life and death. The approaches to effective communication identified in this review can be used by policymakers and decision-makers, working closely with communication teams, to plan, implement and adjust public communications over the course of a public health emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for research Despite massive growth in research during the COVID-19 period, gaps in the evidence persist and require high-quality, meaningful research. This includes investigating the experiences of people at heightened COVID-19 risk, and identifying barriers to implementing public communication and protective health measures particular to lower- and middle-income countries, and how to overcome these.

Global knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 among pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women form a specially vulnerable group due to unique changes in pregnancy, leading to a higher risk of getting a severe infection. As severe COVID-19 increases the risk of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight in pregnancy, there is a need to enhance pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices to prevent these complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine their levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) regarding COVID-19 at the global level.

METHODS

The systematic literature search was conducted in the English language, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, Springer, and ProQuest, from the occurrence of the pandemic until September 2022. We used The Newcastle Ottawa scale for cross-sectional studies checklist to evaluate the risk of bias in the studies. Data were extracted by a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed by STATA software version 14. We also employed Cochran Q statistics to assess the heterogeneity of studies and utilized Inverse variance random-effects models to estimate the pooled level of pregnant women's KAP towards COVID-19 infection prevention.

RESULTS

Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and inclusion criteria, 53 qualified studies were acquired from several countries. In total, 51 articles (17,319 participants) for knowledge, 15 articles (6,509 participants) for attitudes, and 24 articles (11,032 participants) for practice were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled good knowledge, positive attitude, and appropriate practice in pregnant women were estimated at 59%(95%CI: 52-66%), 57%(95%CI: 42-72%), and 53%(95%CI: 41-65%), respectively. According to subgroup analysis, the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice were 61%(95%CI: 49-72), 52%(95%CI: 30-74), and 50%(95%CI: 39-60), respectively, in Africa, and 58.8%(95%CI: 49.2-68.4), 60%(95%CI: 41-80) and 60% (95%CI: 41-78), respectively, in Asia.

CONCLUSION

The Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 infection prevention in pregnant women were low. It is suggested that health education programs and empowerment of communities, especially pregnant women, about COVID-19 continue with better planning. For future studies, we propose to investigate the KAP of COVID-19 in pregnant women in countries of other continents and geographical regions.

COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Vaccine Hesitancy in Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

The current healthcare system’s efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Ethiopia and limit its effects on human lives are being hampered by hesitancy toward the COVID-19 vaccine. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge levels, attitudes, and prevention practices of COVID-19, in the context of the level of vaccine hesitancy with other associated factors in Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional design with mixed-method data sources was employed. It comprised 1361 study participants for the quantitative survey, with randomly selected study participants from the studied community. This was triangulated by a purposively selected sample of 47 key informant interviews and 12 focus group discussions. The study showed that 53.9%, 55.3%, and 44.5% of participants had comprehensive knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 prevention and control, respectively. Similarly, 53.9% and 47.1% of study participants had adequate knowledge and favorable attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine. Only 29.0% of the total survey participants had been vaccinated with at least one dose of vaccine. Of the total study participants, 64.4% were hesitant about receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. The most frequently reported reasons were a lack of trust in the vaccine (21%), doubts regarding the long-term side effects (18.1%), and refusal on religious grounds (13.6%). After adjusting for other confounding factors, geographical living arrangements, the practices of COVID-19 prevention methods, attitudes about the vaccine, vaccination status, perceived community benefit, perceived barriers toward vaccination, and self-efficacy about receiving the vaccine were significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, to improve vaccine coverage and reduce this high level of hesitancy, there should be specifically designed, culturally tailored health education materials and a high level of engagement from politicians, religious leaders, and other community members.

COVID 19 prevention practice of patients with known chronic illness in Ethiopia: A systemic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

There were different studies done and found a highly variable level of COVID 19 prevention practice; however, there was no summarized evidence on the prevention practice of chronic disease patients in Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the pooled prevalence of COVID 19 prevention practice and associated factors among chronic disease patients in Ethiopia.

Method

Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive literature was searched in international databases. A weighted inverse variance random effect model was used to estimate pooled prevalence. Cochrane Q-test and I2 statistics were computed to assess heterogeneity among studies. Funnel plot and Eggers test were done to assess publication bias. Review manager software was used to identify determinants of COVID 19 prevention practice.

Result

Overall, 437 articles were retrieved and finally 8 articles were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of good COVID 19 prevention practices was 44.02% (95%CI (35.98%-52.06%). Being rurally reside (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI (1.30-4.41)), having educational status of cannot read and write (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI (1.22-4.40)), and poor knowledge (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI (1.64-3.60)) positively associated with poor practice.

Conclusion

Good COVID 19 prevention practices of chronic disease patients in Ethiopia was low. Rural residence, educational status of cannot read and write and poor knowledge was positively associated with poor practice. Therefore, policymakers and program planners should target those high-risk groups in improving their awareness to enhance their practice specifically focusing on those who are rural reside and with low educational status.

Essential maternal health service disruptions in Ethiopia during COVID 19 pandemic: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

COVID 19 pandemic has challenged the resilience of the most effective health systems in the world. The Ethiopian Ministry of health tried to ensure the continuation of essential maternal health services during the pandemic. Despite several individual studies conducted on the impact of COVID 19 on maternal health services, no evidence can summarize the extent of impact as a nation and which essential maternal health service is most affected.

METHOD

A systematic review was conducted to summarize the extent of disruption of essential maternal health services and identify the most affected service in the era of the COVID pandemic in Ethiopia. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines were followed. Comprehensive literature was searched using international databases PubMed, Google scholar, and African Online Journal to retrieve related articles. Descriptive analysis was made to answer the review objective.

RESULT

Overall, 498 articles were retrieved using our search strategy and finally 8 articles were included in the review. We found, ANC (26.35%), skilled birth attendance (23.46%), PNC (30%), family planning (14%), and abortion care (23.7%) maximum disruption of service utilization due to the pandemic. PNC service was the most significantly affected service unit followed by the ANC unit.

CONCLUSION

Essential maternal health services have been significantly disrupted due to COVID 19 pandemic in Ethiopia. It is expected from all stakeholders to prioritize safe and accessible maternity care during the pandemic and the aftermath and take lesson to reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.

COVID-19 preventive practice and associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

COVID-19 is a global health concern due to its rapid spread and impact on morbidity and mortality. Implementing preventive measures plays an essential role in curbing the spread of COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 preventive practice and associated factors in Ethiopia.

Study design

This study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines.

Methods

Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, EMBASE, African Journal Online (AJOL) and Science Direct search engines were used to identify relevant articles published up to early December 2021. The Joana Brigg's Institute (JBI) checklist was used for quality appraisal. A random-effect model was fitted to calculate the pooled estimates. Higgins I² statistics and Egger's test with funnel plots were analysed to check heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. Due to significant heterogeneity, subgroup analysis by region, study population, study design and publication year, as well as sensitivity analysis, were done to assess the source of heterogeneity.

Results

The pooled level of poor preventive practice for COVID-19 in Ethiopia was 51.60% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.30-62.90). Poor COVID-19 preventive practice declined from 61% in studies published in 2020 to 45% in 2021. Lack of knowledge about COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.61 [95% CI: 2.49-10.73]), a negative attitude towards COVID-19 management (AOR = 2.64 [95% CI: 1.82-3.82]), rural residence (AOR = 2.95 [95% CI: 2.12-4.12]), a low educational level (AOR = 2.93 [95% CI: 2.16-3.98]) and being female (AOR = 1.75 [95% CI: 1.27-2.40]) were significantly associated with a poor level of COVID-19 preventive practice in Ethiopia.

Conclusions

The level of poor COVID-19 preventive practice in Ethiopia was relatively high. Poor COVID-19 prevention practices were significantly correlated with inadequate COVID-19 knowledge, a negative attitude towards COVID-19 management, low educational attainment, living in a rural area and being female. Creating awareness and health education programmes targeting COVID-19 prevention should be strengthened, especially in the target populations identified in this study.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19: A cross-sectional study during normal management of the epidemic in China

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is striking the world with serious public health and economic losses. Complying with precautionary measures is affected by knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 among the general public, so it is urgent to know the public's awareness of COVID-19 as to promote the epidemic management of COVID-19 in China.

Methods

An online sample of Chinese residents was recruited. We administered a self-developed online KAP survey comprising 39 questions regarding awareness of COVID-19, transmission mode, symptoms, preventive measures, and respondents' attitudes and practices with respect to COVID-19. The total score of each item (knowledge, attitudes, and practices) adopts the ten points system, score of KAP is 30 points. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and binomial logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis.

Results

Among respondents, average scores for COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice were 8.94 ± 0.79, 5.97 ± 1.58, and 7.03 ± 3.14, respectively. 91.2% were aware that COVID-19 is an acute viral infection and 99.95% knew that wearing a mask is one way to prevent COVID-19 infection. Participants correctly identified the symptoms of COVID-19 with a high accuracy rate of over 85%.

Conclusion

Many adults in the present study had adequate knowledge, a positive attitude and engaged in correct practices against COVID-19. People in China have a high awareness of epidemic prevention and control. However, conducting KAP surveys among people with different demographic characteristics at different stages of the epidemic is important to improve public health education and implement proper COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vaccination is the promising strategy to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the success of this strategy will rely mainly on the rate of vaccine acceptance among the general population. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and its determinants in Ethiopia.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and Web of Sciences database to retrieve related articles. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used for this study. Funnel plot and Eggers test were done to assess publication bias. Cochrane Q-test and I2 statistic were done to chick evidence of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was computed based on the study region and the study population. Data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA version 14 statistical software. Weighted inverse variance random effect model was run to estimate the pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies with 5,029 study participants were included. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Ethiopia was 51.64% (95%CI; 43.95%-59.34%). Being male (AOR = 4.46, 1.19-16.77, I2 = 88%), having secondary and above educational status (AOR = 3.97, 1.94-8.12, I2 = 69%), good knowledge (AOR = 3.36, 1.71-6.61, I2 = 93%), and positive attitude (AOR = 5.40, 2.43-12.00, I2 = 87%) were determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Ethiopia.

CONCLUSION

The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was low. Being male, having secondary and above educational status, good knowledge, and positive attitude were the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. High level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the general population is crucial to achieve herd immunity in the community. Therefore, policymakers, vaccine campaign program planners, and stakeholders should target to improve public awareness of vaccination that enhances vaccine acceptance and in turn helps to control the pandemic.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Toward COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study of Staff in China-Guinea Friendship Hospital, Guinea

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of COVID-19 among staff in China-Guinea Friendship Hospital, and to confirm the effect of nosocomial infection management.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2021. Information on socio demographic data, knowledge, attitude and practices related to COVID-19 was collected through a self-administered questionnaire.

Results

A total of 143 employees participated in the survey, with a response rate of 99.31% and a vaccination rate of 95.10%. The average knowledge score of COVID-19 was 8.39 ± 1.3 points (10 points in total), without significant differences between subgroups with different demographic variables (P > 0.05); more than 80% of the participants had a positive attitude, and 72.03–93.01% of the participants could take appropriate preventive practices in different environments such as hospital, outdoor or home.

Conclusion

The staff of the China-Guinea Friendship Hospital has good knowledge of COVID-19, a positive attitude and appropriate preventive practices. It can be concluded that the current nosocomial infection management is active and effective. Therefore, this study suggests that comprehensive activities such as training, promotion and supervision of COVID-19-related knowledge and countermeasures should be widely and continuously implemented in healthcare facilities, which will continuously improve the overall KAP level of hospital staff and play an important role in curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.

A cross-sectional survey of COVID-19: attitude and prevention practice among Syrians

Introduction

Coronavirus disease of 2019 has overwhelmed public health systems worldwide and forced governments to impose draconian lockdowns on entire populations. With no vaccine or treatment during the early days of the pandemic, it is of paramount importance to assess the public’s awareness about COVID-19 so that prevention-focused educational campaigns can be sufficiently deployed. This study aimed to gauge the Syrian public’s adherence to infection control measures by assessing attitudes and practices during the pandemic which ravaged an already war-torn Syria.

Methods

The web-based cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2020, nearly 11 years into the Syrian crisis. The survey contained 3 sections: socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes, and practice. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with good practices and negative attitudes. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0.

Results

Of the 3586 participants, 68.2% were females, 50.8% were unemployed, and 79.2% were college-educated. Only 1402 (39.1%) participants wore face masks when leaving their homes. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that female, age, and residence were factors associated with good practices such as avoiding mass gatherings, wearing face masks, and maintaining a 1-meter interpersonal distance. However, age and occupation were factors associated with negative attitudes towards the closure of universities and schools, travel bans, and quarantines for travellers.

Conclusion

This survey highlights the need to address specific populations using various measures; there should be a specialized method of prevention for each occupation, age group, and place of residence to contain further outbreaks of COVID-19. This can be achieved through targeted awareness campaigns.

Knowledge, attitude, prevention practice, and associated factors toward COVID-19 among preparatory school students in Southwest Ethiopia, 2021

Introduction

As of February 2021 COVID-19 report in 57 African countries, there were 3,761,512 confirmed cases and 98,088 deaths. Ethiopia reported the highest number of cases in East Africa with a total of 147,092 cases and 2,194 deaths. Over 1.5 billion students from 195 countries across the world separated from school as a consequence of the closure of schools related to the pandemic. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, prevention practices, and determinant factors regarding COVID-19 among preparatory school students in southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used for 422 samples. Each respondent was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for social science software version 25.0. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors that were significantly associated with the practice of COVID-19 prevention.

Results

The response rate in this study was 96.2%. A higher proportion of the respondents were female (53.9%), Bench (43.6%), and protestant (47.3%). The level of good knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice were 81.8%, 70.9%, and 47.0% respectively. Using social media [AOR: 1.801, 95% CI: 1.005, 3.226], watching television [AOR: 1.884 95% CI: 1.093, 3.247], being knowledgeable [AOR: 5.173 95% CI: 2.276, 11.755], and having a positive attitude [AOR: 4.300 95% CI: 2.351, 7.868] were positively associated with COVID-19 prevention practice.

Conclusion

Despite the high level of knowledge and a moderate level of positive attitude, the practice of COVID-19 prevention measures was low. Using social media, watching television, being knowledgeable, and having positive attitudes towards COVID-19 increases the tendency to practice COVID-19 prevention measures. School directors and teachers should strictly monitor students for their adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures as directed by the local and national health care departments.

Health Literacy and Disparities in Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding COVID-19 Among College Students During the COVID-19 Outbreak in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards COVID-19 of Chinese college students during the COVID-19 outbreak and identify the determinants considerably associated with KAP.

Methods

An online cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in February 2020 in China to recruit participants on the Wen-Juan-Xing online platform. A self-made questionnaire was used to assess the KAP towards COVID-19.

Results

The average scores of COVID-19-related KAP among college students were 32.16 ± 4.09, 16.84 ± 3.18 and 15.36 ± 1.83, respectively. The average correct response rate of COVID-19-related knowledge was 84.62%. 94.59% of the respondents believed China could control and conquer the pandemic; 98.92% of the respondents wore a mask when they went out. The multiple linear regression showed that the female students had higher scores of COVID-19-related knowledge than male students (β = 0.79, P = 0.01), and the students from 985 or 211 universities (β = -2.22, P < 0.01) were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores. Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation was found between the scores of COVID-19-related KAP among students.

Conclusion

The college students had a good KAP towards the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study was able to access the COVID-19-related KAP among college students during the pandemic and identify their weaknesses in pandemic prevention. Consequently, the results of this study provide theoretical basis for implementing precision health education among college students and reference for campuses to conduct scientific prevention and control during a pandemic. Results also provide beneficial experience to curb similar major public health emergencies in the future.

Adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and associated factors in Oromia regional state of Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Adherence to preventive measures of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was among the means to tackle the transmission of the virus. However, reluctance to implement the recommended preventive measures has been reported to be a major problem everywhere including Oromia Regional State.

PURPOSE

This research was aimed to assess the level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and associated factors in the study area.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Community based cross-sectional study was conducted. Sample of 2751 adults aged ≥ 18 years were used for the quantitative study. Also, 20 FGDs and 30 KIIs were conducted in the qualitative approach. The collected data were entered into Epi info version 7.2.0.1 and analyzed using STATA 15. The qualitative data were entered into NVivo version 12 for its organization. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between the study variables. Odds Ratio with its 95%CI was calculated and P- Value < 0.05 was used as a cut off points to declare the significance.

RESULTS

The level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measure was 8.3. Age [AOR, 4.00; 95% CI: 1.50, 10.45], Illiterate AOR, 0.38; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.93], read and write [AOR, 0.26; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.72], attended primary [AOR, 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.70], occupation (AOR; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.96] and knowledge [AOR, 0.20; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.11] were factors associated with level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Political context, unemployment, livelihoods, and social events were mentioned as reasons for the poor adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures in the study area was low. Age, level of education, occupation, and knowledge were factors associated with level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Activities to increase the adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures should be implemented by the concerned bodies.

Attitude, preparedness, and perceived self-efficacy in controlling COVID-19 pandemics and associated factors among university students during school reopening

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains a significant public health problem globally. In Ethiopia, the number of infected peoples and deaths due to COVID-19 has increased dramatically in the past. Currently, students are resuming to face to face education with strict prevention measures. University students are more dynamic and more susceptible to acquiring and spreading the virus.

Objective

To assess the attitude, preparedness, and self-efficacy to prevent and control COVID-19 and associated factors among university students during school reopening, Northeast Ethiopia.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted among Debre Berhan University (DBU) students from December 1 to 15/2020, when students return to campus. A multistage sampling technique was applied to recruit 682 participants. The ReadyScore criteria were used to classify the level of preparedness. Epi-Data version 4.6 was used for data entry, while SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive and Binary logistic regression analysis was computed, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

The overall level of favourable attitude, good preparedness, and high self-efficacy among students were 67.2%, 17.9%, and 50.4%, respectively. Only mothers’ education was associated with attitude. Female gender, open relationships, health science faculty, heart disease, and favourable attitude were significant preparedness factors. Whereas being undergraduate, parents’ education, residing in dorm being four and above, having kidney disease, having friend/family history of COVID-19 infection and death, favourable attitude, and good preparedness were predictors of self-efficacy.

Conclusion

The level of attitude, preparedness, and self-efficacy towards COVID-19 among students during campus re-entry were low. Managing chronic illnesses and raising the attitude and preparedness of students is essential to reduce the burden of COVID-19 pandemics. Besides, emphasis should be placed on male, unmarried, postgraduate, and non-health science students to increase the level of preparedness and self-efficacy.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Urban Residents Toward COVID-19 in Shaanxi During the Post-lockdown Period

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in China is essentially under control. Under global scrutiny, China has started reviving the social, cultural, and working lives of its inhabitants. However, localized outbreaks of COVID-19 are occurring, indicating that the country still needs to follow disease prevention and control measures. Previous studies have assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the general public in China regarding COVID-19 during the pandemic. However, little is known about knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Chinese residents regarding COVID-19 after periods of lockdown. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the KAP and other factors among the residents of Shaanxi Province during the post-lockdown period. Methods: A cross-sectional, network questionnaire survey was conducted in Shaanxi Province from October 1-30, 2020. A total of 1,175 urban residents were interviewed via Wen Juan Xing, an online questionnaire tool. A self-developed online KAP COVID-19 questionnaire was developed in this study. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: general information, knowledge, attitude, and practice. Descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression analysis were used in the statistical analysis. Results: The majority of the participants were knowledgeable about COVID-19. They had optimistic attitudes and behaved appropriately toward COVID-19. Education was an associated factor for the knowledge of residents and the knowledge of COVID-19 was high among people with high academic qualifications. Attitudes were more positive in residents who lived with elderly people, women, and children. The score of practice was higher in residents with positive attitudes and high academic qualifications. There was a positive correlation between age and practice. Conclusion: We found that the KAP of residents in Shaanxi was at a relatively high level during the post-lockdown period. Although the lockdown was lifted, the epidemic is not over. Thus, it is necessary to develop targeted health education programs for residents with different demographic characteristics in Shaanxi.