Adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures and its associated factors among Gondar City residents: A community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Considering its pandemicity and absence of effective treatment, authorities across the globe have designed various mitigation strategies to combat the spread of COVID-19. Although adherence towards preventive measures is the only means to tackle the virus, reluctance to do so has been reported to be a major problem everywhere. Thus, this study aimed to assess the community’s adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation strategies and its associated factors among Gondar City residents, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 635 respondents from April 20–27, 2020. Cluster sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Epi-Data version 4.6 and STATA version 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regressions (Bivariable and multivariable) were performed to identify statistically significant variables. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to declare statistically significant variables on the basis of p < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model. Results The overall prevalence of good adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures was 51.04% (95%CI: 47.11, 54.96). Female respondents [AOR: 2.39; 95%CI (1.66, 3.45)], receiving adequate information about COVID-19 [AOR: 1.58; 95%CI (1.03, 2.43)], and favorable attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures were significantly associated with good adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Whereas, those respondents who had high risk perception of COVID-19 were less likely to adhere towards COVID-19 mitigation measures [AOR: 0.61; 95% CI (0.41, 0.92)]. Conclusions The findings have indicated that nearly half of the study participants had poor adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Sex, level of information exposure, attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures, and risk perception of COVID-19 were factors which significantly influenced the adherence of the community towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Therefore, it is crucial to track adherence responses towards the COVID-19 preventive measures, scale up the community’s awareness of COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies through appropriate information outlets, mainstream media, and rely on updating information from TV, radio, and health care workers about COVID-19.

Community risk perception and health-seeking behavior in the era of COVID-19 among adult residents of Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia

“…The questionnaire was valid and reliable as it was adapted from the WHO and UNICEF documents relating to COVID-19 preparedness and response 15 and similar researches. 7 , 14 , 16 Furthermore, the data collection tool (questionnaire) was pretested to check its clarity, sequence, applicability, and validity. A brief introductory orientation was given to the study participants by data collectors about the purpose of the study.…”

Factors Associated with Practice of Covid-19 Precautionary Measures among Clients Visiting A Teritiary Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…In this study, the lowest score on COVID-19 precautionary measures was for social distancing; only a quarter of the respondents avoided crowded places or social gatherings, and a mere one-tenth maintained physical distance. This nding also markedly showed a decline as compared to previous studies (19). A multitude of factors can explain the poor adherence.…”

“…Likewise, previous studies have reported positive attitude had a signi cant and robust impact on preventive behavior (6, 19,22,23). For instance, participants who felt COVID-19 will be successfully controlled were more likely to refrain from handshaking (13).…”

“…Congruently, in this study, less than a third of the respondents perceived their risk of infection as high, indicating a lower perceived vulnerability. Another possible explanation could be that maintaining social distance may not be always entirely possible due to living in crowded areas (19) and use of public transportation, leading to unintentional non-adherence of social distancing guidelines (20).…”

Widespread Contamination of SARS-CoV-2 on Highly Touched Surfaces in Brazil During the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Regarding the adherence of COVID-19 mitigation measures by society, a number of studies have been performed in order to evaluate the adoption of measures to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 transmission 58-60 . To assess the community’s adherence to mitigation measures to combat the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2, a recent cross-sectional study conducted in Malaysia employed 4,850 Malaysian residents, between 27th March and 3rd April 2020 59 .…”