Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Towards COVID-19 among Older People Living in Informal Settlements in Nairobi City, Kenya

Abstract

Informal settlements in developing countries such as Kenya are the least prepared to deal with COVID-19 pandemic due to lack of basic housing, water and sanitation, and overcrowding. The risk is magnified for older people in such an environment due to their advanced age that compromises their immune system, and the fact that they are more likely to have pre-existing health conditions which weaken their body’s ability to fight infectious diseases. This study sought to establish older people’s knowledge levels, perception, and risk assessment with regard to COVID-19, and adherence to prevention measures. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 respondents aged 60 years and above from two selected informal settlements in the city of Nairobi during the month of August 2020. Primary data were collected using questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics that involved the use of frequencies, totals and percentages. Knowledge of dry cough and fever as COVID-19 symptoms was high, but only 31.5% listed difficulty in breathing. Slightly over half correctly identified elderly people as being at greatest risk of getting severely sick from COVID-19. About 60% were aware that they are at risk of contracting COVID-19. Strong religious belief was the main reason among those who believed they are not at risk. Wearing face masks and hand-washing using soap were the main prevention measures adopted. In conclusion, the study revealed that knowledge about some key symptoms of COVID-19 is still low, and that a considerable number of older people do not think that elderly people are at great risk of getting severely sick. Misconception that a strong religious belief can protect one from contracting the disease is still common among older people. There is, therefore, need for well-tailored and contextualized awareness campaigns to reach this high risk group. Keywords: COVID-19, older people, slums, knowledge, behavior

Knowledge, attitudes, and adherence relating to COVID-19 and its prevention measures in high-risk districts of Uganda in 2020

“…In this study, a significant number of respondents were aware that they were at risk of contracting COVID-19. Similarly, Kasozi et al ( 22 ) and Okaka and Omondi ( 23 ) reported that respondents were aware of the risk of contracting COVID-19 but the implementation of practices such as hand washing was problematic and challenging in Uganda and Kenya, respectively. This could be combated by investing heavily in the sensitization of the public to induce behavior change in communities, especially in future pandemics and epidemic outbreaks, such as the common Ebola and Marburg outbreaks, since adequate knowledge is often associated with good attitudes and practices ( 24 ).…”

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“…A comprehensive review of literature, albeit confined to publications in Athens Journals, offers insights into numerous studies elucidating its impact on the economy and tourism industry[Adejare et al (2022),Jones (2022),Jones and Comfort (2020),Reid (2022),Tran (2023)], the Management/ Finance[Gukiina and Lamunu (2021),Struwig and Watson (2023),Uwah et al (2022)]. Health[Crescentini and Padricelli (2023),Galea (2022),Menekli et al (2021),Mukherjee and Ray (2023),Shah et al (2022),Stoyanov (2023),Uysal et al (2020), ŽegaracLeskovar et al (2022)], Social/ Media/Sports[Bäckman (2021), Cezar Dias and Moreira de Oliveira (2023), De Falco (2021),Fitzpatrick (2022),Jurić (2022a, b),Lust (2022),Mengu et al (2021),Okaka and Omondi (2022),Osisanwo (2022), Polo Martín (2022), Regret Iyer (2023,Stefani (2023)], Education[Charalambous and Papademetriou (forthcoming),Güvercin et al (2022), Jereb et al (2023,Makgopa (2022), Oluwadamilola Uleanya and Mulliah Naidoo (2023), RodariMeisner and McKenzie (2023), Turan-Güntepe et al (2023)], Technology[Hassan and Bellos (2022),Ismaili and Ibrahimi (2021),Joolfoo and Hosany (2023)], and Law/Judiciary[Iancu (2023[Iancu ( , 2021,Patraus and Ofrim (2021)].…”