Community Awareness,Perception and Preventive Practices towards COVID-19 in Tigray

Abstract

Introduction-Novel coronavirus disease is a very fast spreading and fatal respiratory disease which is a public health emergency and pandemic across the world. Despite many efforts by countries, organizations, and institutions to prevent and control, the pandemic remains a world public health problem. Ethiopia is one of the countries which are severely affected by the pandemic.
Objective- The aim of the study was to assess the community awareness, perception and preventive practices towards COVID-19 in Tigray
Method- The study was conducted in three zones of Tigray regional state, northern Ethiopia from January to May 2021, namely eastern, south east and Mekelle zones. Residents of the selected districts aged 18 years and above were included in the study through cross sectional study design. The sample size was 634 and study participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Standardized structured questionnaire adopted from “RESPONDING TO COVID-19 IN AFRICA SURVEY” conducted by CDC was developed and administered through face to face interview. Data entry was made in to Stata 14 statistical software and data cleaning was done strictly. Finally, the Stata data set was analyzed and presented according to the objective of the study. Ethical clearance was sought from Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences Institutional Review board (IRB). Support letter was written from the interim administration of Tigray Region to respective zones and districts.
Result- In this study 61%, 95% CI (57%, 65%) participants had good awareness on covid-19 infection prevention and sign and symptoms of corona virus infection. Similarly, 63%, 95% CI (59%, 66%) had a favorable perception towards Covid-19 prevention measure, estimated risk and seriousness as well as application of the recommended guidelines. Besides, only 27%, 95% CI (24%, 30%) of them had overall good Covid-19 prevention practice.
Conclusion and recommendation-Notably, there is alarmingly poor practice regarding the Covid-19 pandemic prevention. Upper educational level and employed were independent predictors of good awareness and favorable perception. Older age, being employed and living together with increased family members predicted good prevention practice. Considering the crises on the ground, Tigray community requires additional high scale support in sanitary, Covid-19 prevention supplies and interventions.