<p>Perception Toward Quarantine for COVID-19 Among Adult Residents of Selected Towns in Southwest Ethiopia</p>

Abstract

Background COVID-19 is a global pandemic caused by a transmissible respiratory virus, SARS-Cov-2. Because it is a novel pathogen, limited information is available to characterize the spectrum of clinical illness, transmission efficiency, and the duration of viral shedding for patients with COVID-19. Quarantine is an important component of a multilayered strategy to prevent sustained spread of COVID-19 everywhere. The aim of this study was to assess public perceptions toward quarantine for COVID-19 and associated factors among adult residents of selected towns in Southwest Ethiopia, 2020. Methods The community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 15 June 2020 among adult residents of selected towns in south west Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling was used to select 844 participants. A structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to describe different variables. Multiple linear regression was carried out to determine the predictors of outcome variables. In multiple linear regression, variables with p -value <0.05 were taken as statistically significant association with community perception toward quarantine. Results The total of 816 study participants were interviewed from which 450 (55.1%) were male. The median age of respondents was 30 years. Four hundred and twenty-seven (52.3%) of the respondents have a positive perception toward quarantine. Factors associated with perception toward quarantine were having training on COVID-19 (β=2.76, p =0.005), educational status of secondary (β=2.73, p =0.001), educational status to above secondary (β=2.24, p =0.011), occupational status of merchant (β=1.73, p =0.020), and knowledge of COVID-19 (β=0.23, p =0.001). Conclusion Only 52.3% of the respondents have a positive perception toward quarantine. Having training on COVID-19, educational status of secondary and above, being a merchant, knowledge of COVID-19 and knowledge of quarantine were significantly associated with a positive perception toward quarantine. Concerned bodies should work on enhancing the awareness of the community through information education and communication/behavior changing communication materials.

Preparedness and Readiness Against COVID-19 Pandemic in Prison Institutions and Detention Centers in Southwest Ethiopia

“…In addition, prisons and detention centers often lack sufficient hand washing areas, quarantine rooms, and personal protective equipment. 31 , 32 As a result, they are vulnerable to the transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, the aim of this research was to answer a research question, whether the correctional facilities were prepared and ready against COVID-19 pandemic in Bench-Sheko, Sheka, West Omo, and Keffa zones southwest, Ethiopia.…”

“…In addition, prisons and detention centers often lack sufficient hand washing areas, quarantine rooms, and personal protective equipment. 31,32 As a result, they are vulnerable to the transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, the aim of this research was to submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.com…”

Behavior Responses and Attitude of the Public to COVID-19 Pandemic During Movement Restrictions in Saudi Arabia

“… 44 This might be related to the study time gap, as the study conducted in South Korea was in 2015 so there is a high information difference related to quarantine compared to the current study. 43 In our study, the majority of participants reported that, during the movement restriction period, they always/often have spent quality time at home caring for their family (87.2%), making benefits of online media (89.6%), doing productive things for the family such as cooking, cleaning, etc. (85.5%), or obeying their religion (71.2%).…”

“…This finding is similar to that in Southwest Ethiopia, where only 52.3% reported a positive response toward quarantine. 43 Training people to understand the reason for quarantine might increase belief in its effectiveness and thus, their compliance with quarantine. 43 A study conducted in South Korea revealed that most of the participants believed quarantine was ineffective to control the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) or even increases the risk of spreading MERS.…”

“… 43 Training people to understand the reason for quarantine might increase belief in its effectiveness and thus, their compliance with quarantine. 43 A study conducted in South Korea revealed that most of the participants believed quarantine was ineffective to control the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) or even increases the risk of spreading MERS. 44 This might be related to the study time gap, as the study conducted in South Korea was in 2015 so there is a high information difference related to quarantine compared to the current study.…”