. Preventive measures are key to reducing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Our primary aim was to assess factors associated with practice of COVID-19 preventive measures among senior high school students in the Bawku Municipality, Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and data on 624 students were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. An estimated 31.5% (95% CI: 27.8, 35.1) of the students wore a face mask often or always. Students who reported that COVID-19 can be transmitted via droplets from the nose or mouth (adjusted odds ratios [aOR]: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 7.9) and students who reported that asymptomatic persons can transmit the virus (aOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.6) had higher odds of wearing a face mask. However, students who reported that COVID-19 was not deadly were associated with lower odds of wearing a face mask (aOR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4, 1.0). Handwashing/hand sanitizing was practiced by 49.5% (95% CI: 45.6, 53.5) of students. Students in the technical program compared to the science program (aOR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.8) and those who reported that COVID-19 was not deadly (aOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4, 1.0) had lower odds of handwashing/hand sanitizing. An estimated 46.2% (95% CI: 42.3, 50.2) of students practiced social distancing. Students who reported that COVID-19 can be transmitted via droplets from the nose or mouth were positively associated with social distancing (aOR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0, 4.5). There is the need to intensify education about COVID-19 in senior high schools while enforcing the practice of COVID-19 preventive measures.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In Ghana, policy interventions have been implemented by the Government to combat the pandemic. However, the knowledge and perceptions of Senior High School students are not investigated on the COVID-19 symptoms, transmission and the government policy measures.ObjectivesThe present study surveyed senior high school students to assess their knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 and the government policy measures to address the outbreak.MethodsThe study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design to assess the knowledge and perceptions of senior high school students on the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures put in place to address it. 624 senior high school students aged 18 years old and above were surveyed. Descriptive analysis was performed to assess knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 symptoms, mode of transmissions and prevention.FindingsMost students were knowledgeable about COVID-19 symptoms, transmission and preventive measures. Majority of the students obtained information about COVID-19 from television, radio, social media, and from family and friends. Overall, the students also demonstrated a positive perception towards COVID-19 mode of transmission and preventive measures.ConclusionsOverall, senior high school students in the Bawku Municipality in Ghana demonstrated an appreciable level of knowledge and positive perception of COVID-19. Students cited television, radio, peer education and social media as their information sources for COVID-19. These media outlets should be prioritized in disseminating COVID 19 information to the public, especially students.