Community Perception of COVID-19: A Qualitative Approach through Applying the  Health Belief Model

Abstract

Objectives: To explore community perception of COVID -19 pandemic. Methods: In depth exploratory design was utilized. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select 45 participants from all categories of population. Semi-structured interview guide and observation checklist were used to collect data from participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.Results: Though, at first everyone was scared when the disease outbreak in Ethiopia, currently there are many people who assume as there is no coronavirus in Ethiopia as some of them associate it with politics. Hotels, cafeterias and shopping centers are not as cautious as the first outbreak of the disease. As a result, the street is crowded and the public are restored as usual. Face masks and sanitizer bottles were selling in every corner of the road with no care at all.Conclusions: community perceived susceptibility level of COVID-19 virus was found to be low and therefore, all stakeholders have to work together than focusing on politics where each one is working against each as there will no time for it in the future.