COVID-19 Awareness, Adoption of COVID-19 Preventive Measures, and Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown Among Adolescent Boys and Young Men in Kampala, Uganda

Matovu, Joseph K. B.; Kabwama, Stephen Ndugwa; Ssekamatte, Tonny; Ssenkusu, John M.; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.

doi:10.1007/s10900-021-00961-w

Cited by 56 publications

(71 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…A recent cross-sectional survey in Kampala, Uganda, also reported low uptake of COVID-19 prevention measures despite a high level of awareness of prevention measures. 14 Although the COVID-19 symptoms are milder and the case fatality rate is lower among adolescents compared with older age groups, 6 adolescents may still transmit the virus to vulnerable family or community members, 22 and some adolescents do develop severe complications from COVID-19 infection. [23][24][25] Therefore, urgent actions are needed to disseminate accurate information on COVID-19 to adolescents regarding the prevention of COVID-19 transmission in SSA, particularly in rural settings where awareness of the virus appears low.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…13,[28][29][30][31][32][33] Recently, a survey in Kampala, Uganda, reported that COVID-19 lockdowns were associated with a higher prevalence of unhealthy behaviors such as tobacco smoking/chewing, alcohol drinking, and substance use (such as marijuana). 14 Due to the increased risks of such issues and the direct deprivation of educational opportunities, many adolescents in SSA may not go back to school even after schools reopen after a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. 29 In the current study (except in Nigeria), around half of the adolescents perceived it very difficult to catch up on their education after the pandemic, a large proportion of whom may choose not to continue their education.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Our results are in line with a recent survey in Uganda, which reports that only 1.2% of adolescent boys or young men contemplated committing suicide due to COVID-19. 14 Additional studies are needed to assess the long-term adverse consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of adolescents in SSA.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…36 In Uganda, 62% of adolescent boys and young men found it difficult to afford a diverse and balanced diet during the COVID-19 pandemic. 14 Adolescents have specific nutritional needs, and ensuring adequate diet and nutrition for adolescents is crucial for their health, development, and education. 37 Rising food insecurity may exacerbate the high burden of undernutrition among adolescents in SSA.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A recent cross-sectional study in Kampala, Uganda, reports that COVID-19 lockdowns led to mental health challenges, reduced ability to meet basic needs, disruptions to socioeconomic status, and engagement in unhealthy behaviors among adolescent boys and young men. 14 However, the short-and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its mitigation strategies on adolescents girls and boys from diverse settings in countries in SSA are still poorly understood, especially regarding the effects on education and nutrition.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The COVID-19 Pandemic and Adolescents’ Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-Country Study Using a Telephone Survey

Wang

Chukwu

Millogo

et al. 2021

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

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The public health measures instituted by governments to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause developmental and educational losses to adolescents. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its mitigation strategies on adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa are unclear. This study aimed to examine adolescents’ knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to COVID-19 and the impacts of the pandemic on the daily lives of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. The survey was conducted in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Nigeria using computer-assisted telephone interviews to enable rapid and remote data collection. Two sites were included in each country, with approximately 300 adolescents per site and 1,795 adolescents in total. Variations across the six sites were noted for the proportions of the adolescents who could correctly identify all key COVID-19 symptoms (4–25%), transmission methods (16–59%), and prevention approaches (33–79%). Most (> 72%) of the adolescents were no longer going to school due to school closures. Many adolescents (23–81%) were not receiving any education during the pandemic. A considerable proportion of the adolescents (44–83%) self-assessed as having less ability to learn during the pandemic; many expected it to be very difficult to catch up on education after the pandemic. Decreases in the consumption of major food groups were common across sites. Urgent actions are needed in sub-Saharan Africa to address the inadequate knowledge of COVID-19 among adolescents and the impacts of the pandemic on adolescent education and nutrition.

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