Perception and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban community in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

The Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious illness which broke out during the winter of 2019 (Al-Hanawi et al., 2020; WHO, 2020a). Due to its presentations, it has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) (WHO, 2020a). An alarming response has been introduced across the globe due to its high infectiousness and case fatality rate (Zhong et al., 2020). The identification of the risks and the prevention of infectivity regarding COVID-19 have been stated to depend on human perception (Zhong et al., 2020). Especially in the submergence of an infectious disease such as COVID-19, different thoughts have shaped individuals’ views on the illness.

Currently, the Coronavirus disease has spread to 213 countries with nearly 24 million confirmed cases and close to 820,000 recorded deaths (WHO, 2020b, 2020c). Publicly available reports from the Africa Centre for Disease Control (ACDC) states that confirmed cases of COVID-19 had risen to 1,203,769 and 28,289 deaths as of 25 August 2020 (ACDC, 2020). As of 25th August 2020, the West African subregion accounted for a significant proportion of cumulative COVID-19 records in Africa. In Nigeria, there are 52,800 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with a total of 1,007 deaths as of 25 August 2020 (NCDC, 2020a; WHO, 2020b). Oyo State presently holds the third spot on the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) daily COVID-19 updates, with 3058 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 37 deaths (NCDC, 2020b). Urban areas in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State frequently present with confirmed cases (Enwongo, 2020).

As a part of the emergency response activities across all States in Nigeria, health education campaigns have been directed at members of the public (NCDC, 2020a, 2020b). These campaigns have been aimed at knowledge improvement and the correction of certain misconceptions that have been widely circulated among community members (NCDC, 2020a). Education on precautionary measures such as wearing of face masks, regular handwashing with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and social distancing have been done (NCDC, 2020a, 2020b; Gbadamosi, 2020).

It is evident that perception shapes one’s knowledge and the adoption of safety measures concerning the transmission of an infection. Data obtained from the perception of community members regarding COVID-19 could help target interventions needed to improve the knowledge of community members regarding Coronavirus. Superstitious beliefs have largely shaped the perception of most Nigerians regarding the source and cause of COVID-19 (Chukwuorji & Iorfa, 2020). At the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria, infected persons belonged to either the political class or high socioeconomic cadre (Chukwuorji & Iorfa, 2020). The characteristic prevalence of COVID-19 infection among this group of persons accorded COVID-19 the name, ‘a disease of the rich and mighty’ (Nwaubani, 2020). Few months into the COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria, perceptions revolved around “immunity” to COVID-19 among the religious folks with a disregard of bans on religious gatherings (Lichtenstein, Ajayi & Egbunike, 2020). Such perceptions could have been influenced by several factors. Social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter have been used to spread false news on COVID-19, resulting to panic disorder and anxiety among some persons and shunning of safety measures among others (Aluh & Onu, 2020; Olapegba et al., 2020). Among many persons, physical distancing, social isolations, restriction of religious and social gatherings etc. have been opined as alien solutions in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and Africa at large (Olapegba et al., 2020).

Literatures have reported the existence of knowledge relating to COVID-19 among Nigerians, and it is expected that this would influence precautionary behavior among them. However, inherent wrong perceptions may contribute to COVID-19 risk aversion measures (Iorfa et al., 2020). Perceptions of COVID-19 has been influenced by age and gender. Due to their increased vulnerability to illnesses, older persons have been predicted to increasingly adopt COVID-19 precautionary behavior compared to other population groups (Iorfa et al., 2020). Females have been identified as models in the adoption of precautionary health behavior. In the COVID-19 context, the practice of handwashing, hygiene, and use of face masks occur more frequently among females than males (Iorfa et al., 2020). Such an occurrence could be due to the perceived susceptibility to illnesses among females as well as their health-conscious nature.

Given the importance of risk perception in behavior modification for disease control, it becomes pertinent to assess the perception and practices regarding COVID-19. To the best of our knowledge, the perception and practices of community members in urban areas in Ibadan regarding COVID-19 is currently unknown. An assessment of the perception and practices of community members is important to reduce the risk for COVID-19 infection in Ibadan, a densely populated city in Nigeria. We hypothesized that there is no difference in the sociodemographic characteristics of the community members with the practices of COVID-19 mitigating factors. This study thus aimed at assessing the perception and practices of community members in urban areas in Ibadan regarding COVID-19.

Materials and Methods

Results

A total of 360 respondents were interviewed among urban residents in Ibadan. The mean age was 33.2 ± 10.6 years and 225 (62.5%) were females. Those with secondary education and above were 332 (92.2%), 314 (87.2%) were of the Yoruba ethnic group, and 171 (47.5%) engaged in business or trading (Table 1). Among the 360 respondents 342 (95%) have heard of COVID-19.

Most frequently reported practices among respondents following the development of COVID-19 symptoms were: Going to the hospital 171 (50%) and calling the COVID-19 help number 105 (30.7%). The other reported practices included: praying and staying at home each with 29 (8.5%) respondents as shown in Fig. 1.

Regarding COVID-19 risk perception, 89 (26%) knew they could contract COVID-19, while 41 (12%) perceived it as an exaggerated event. It was also perceived as an intention for corruption by 23 (6.7%), COVID-19 was an attack by the Western World was reported by 68 (19.9%) and 122 (35.7%) called COVID-19 a source of panic. The effects most frequently reported by respondents were hunger/low income among 167 (48.8%) and academic delay among 30 (8.8%). Regarding suggestions to the government, 108 (31.6%) suggested the provision of medical supplies/palliatives/seeking of cure, while 68 (19.9%) suggested free testing/free treatment. Other effects of COVID-19 and suggestions to the government are as shown in Table 2.

The most frequently reported practice for prevention of COVID-19 among respondents were the use of face masks by 224 (65.5%) and social distancing by 164 (48%). Others included: staying at home/following COVID-19 updates 8 (2.2%), taking Vitamin C/fruits/warm water 4 (1.1%), and doing nothing 5 (1.4%) as shown in Fig. 2.

Figure 3 shows that only 80 (22%) of respondents demonstrated good handwashing practices. Among respondents aged less than 25 years, 16 (23.5%) had good handwashing practices compared to 14 (29.8%) aged above 45 years. Among females, 49 (22.8%) had good handwashing practices compared to 22 (17.3%) males although these differences are not statistically significant (Table 3).

Males have 27.5% less odds of having good hand washing practice compared to females, though not statistically significant (AOR 0.725, 95% CI [0.418–1.259], p = 0.253) (Table 4).

The perception of the likelihood to contract COVID-19 and practices to prevent COVID-19 had a weak positive correlation of 0.239 (p < 0.001).

Discussion

This study found that many individuals lived in denial of the existence of COVID-19. The perception of the illness as an avenue for politicians to enrich themselves indicates that there still exists inadequate knowledge of COVID-19 among community members in Ibadan. Denial, ignorance regarding COVID-19, and the existing lack of trust in the Nigerian government have been reported since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria (Chukwuorji & Iorfa, 2020). From the present study, a high rating of the perceived likelihood of contracting COVID-19 was observed among 26% of respondents, while it was minimally perceived as an attack by the Western World among nearly 20%.

Findings obtained from this study revealed that the practices most often adopted following the development of COVID-19 symptoms were either to go to the hospital or call the COVID-19 help number. This indicates that the source of help for COVID-19 treatment is well known among community members in urban areas of Ibadan. Although distrust in government capacity regarding COVID-19 is currently obtained, individuals are willing to take proactive measures following the suspected development of COVID-19 symptoms (Chukwuorji & Iorfa, 2020). An Indian study similarly reported that hospital visitation was frequently opted for as a step to be taken following the development of COVID-19 in individuals in a close relationship (Dkhar et al., 2020).

We found that the use of face masks and practice of social distancing measures were more frequently embraced among respondents compared to other COVID-19 mitigation measures, although full adherence was low. A web-based study conducted in Nigeria mostly stated mouth-covering while sneezing, wearing of face masks and avoidance of crowded spaces as self-reported practices among respondents (Iorfa et al., 2020). Our findings revealed that myriads of perceptions were associated with COVID-19. These included COVID-19 as an exaggerated illness with intentions for corruption, its highly infectious and deadly nature, and a reason for panic disorders. Similarly, the likelihood of positive practices concerning COVID-19 was associated with a positive perception of the risk of infection (Zhong et al., 2020). Findings from previous studies conducted in Nigeria also corroborate the key role of positive risk perception on imbibing COVID-19 protective practices and attitudes (Iorfa et al., 2020). The finding from the present study however contradicts the assumption of the Health Belief Model (HBM) that protective actions are more likely to succeed a high level of perceived susceptibility (Tarkang & Zotor, 2015). The results obtained herein is higher than the knowledge concerning the practice of face masks in Saudi Arabia (Al-Hanawi et al., 2020). Due to its deadly nature, COVID-19 has introduced fear which has compelled protective actions from individuals regarding the illness (Zhong et al., 2020).

Previous studies have shown that fear could motivate healthy behavior among individuals especially during epidemics, but such behavior may not be sustainable (Witte, 1998; Nabi, 1999; Ufuwa et al., 2020). The adoption of these healthy behaviors in the present study is in tandem with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) on safety measures for COVID-19 (WHO, 2020c). The insufficiency of fear as a propellant for adherence to recommended guidelines for COVID-19 has been reported to be an outplay of knowledge-attitude discrepancy (Iorfa et al., 2020). These findings imply that individual perception of infectious illnesses such as COVID-19 may not be sufficient to influence the adoption of protective practices. This explains the need for the regular sensitization of community members on COVID-19 safety measures regardless of their perception concerning the illness.

We found that the practice of handwashing was commoner among individuals with a greater risk perception for COVID-19. Because these individuals perceive themselves as vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, they are more likely to engage in handwashing practice. Handwashing practice has been identified as one of the mitigation strategies for breaking the chain of COVID-19 transmission. An online-based Nigerian survey revealed a higher practice of handwashing compared to other COVID-19 preventive measures (Iorfa et al., 2020). A study conducted in Ibadan on hand hygiene practices post the Ebola virus disease outbreak revealed a high proportion of inadequate self-reported hand hygiene practice (Martins & Osiyemi, 2017). Lassa fever studies conducted in Edo State reported inadequate handwashing practices, while a similar study in Kaduna State, Nigeria reported good handwashing practices among respondents (Tobin et al., 2013). The similarities of most of these findings with ours imply the wide acceptance of the practice of handwashing in the management of infectious diseases.

Findings from this study revealed a higher likelihood of good handwashing practices among females than males, although it was not significant. Our finding contradicts cultural notions which suggests that hygiene measures are more frequently practiced among females than males. However, a few other studies have reported no difference in the practice of hand hygiene among males and females in Nigeria (Ogunsola et al., 2013; Martins & Osiyemi, 2017). The agreement of our findings with reference literatures could be due to the alienation of regular and proper handwashing practices in the Nigerian context. This could therefore have contributed to the observed level of handwashing practices among males and females as found in this study. The availability of water and sanitation access have been identified as major determinants of good handwashing practices (Ogunsola et al., 2013). However, these basic amenities are not readily available in many Nigerian homes (Uchejeso & Obiora, 2020). This therefore prompts overcrowding of persons at wells and boreholes, a condition which necessitates the use of water in small amounts either for handwashing or other purposes. Findings from this study thus imply the need for improved access and portable water supply as required for the reduction of COVID-19 transmission in the communities.

We found that COVID-19 poses significant threat to local economy, resulting in low income and resultant hunger. This is likely due to the increased cost of purchasing goods or a result of the lockdown which has denied many individuals the opportunity to earn their income. Denial of opportunities to engage in money-making ventures was experienced and impacts such as hunger was greatly felt among many persons (Chukwuorji & Iorfa, 2020). This explains the need for the provision of palliatives to fight hunger and reduce susceptibility to other infections during the COVID-19 outbreak. Similarly, decreased productivity and job losses and an unprecedented economic disaster have been reported (Atalan, 2020). Contrary to the finding in this study, other studies have reported stress and anxiety as psychological reactions due to the Coronavirus pandemic (Atalan, 2020). Other psychological reactions such as boredom, anger, and loneliness have been notably identified as resultant threats during the COVID-19 pandemic (Aluh & Onu, 2020). This calls for the provision of psychosocial support for individuals during the COVID-19 lockdown. Interestingly, a recognition of the significance of essential staff has also resulted from the COVID-19 outbreak (Spowart, 2020).

Pertaining to suggestions to the government concerning COVID-19 containment, the provision of medical supplies and palliatives received highest recommendation among respondents. Most Nigerian households depend on daily earnings of breadwinners, and difficulty in survival was experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown which lasted for three months in Nigeria (Chukwuorji & Iorfa, 2020). Also, health education, the enforcement of preventive measures, and free testing and treatment received much recognition. These imply two things. Firstly, health education campaigns concerning COVID-19 should be conducted by public health officials in simple, unambiguous languages which will facilitate the understanding of community members. Secondly, the availability of medical supplies and palliatives would enhance the adherence to safety measures for COVID-19, such as the use of face masks among community members. Similar suggestions have been made in previous studies (Kebede et al., 2020).

Conclusions

The adoption of preventive measures is critical to forestall onward transmission of COVID-19. However, adequate, and correct risk perception for COVID-19 is required to enable the adoption of COVID-19 safety measures. We hereby recommend enhanced sensitization and health education sessions for all community members about COVID-19 in Ibadan metropolis regardless of their sociodemographic characteristics. Also, health campaigns should be more focused on practices such as regular handwashing with soap and water and social distancing, which protect against transmission of COVID-19 among community members irrespective of their sex. In addition, access of individuals to portable source of water supply should be enabled by increased provision of water sources in residential apartments. The government should also install more infrastructures for water supply where dearth of water exists.

Supplemental Information