Perceptions about COVID-19 and their Myths and Belief: The Need to Provide Knowledge and Guidance to Public.

Abstract

Background: Efforts to promote COVID-19 will actually be in vain without a proper understanding of the perceptions and beliefs that prevail in society. That is why this study sought to identify the gaps in Ethiopia about COVID-19 false interpretation and lack of knowledge.Methods: A survey was conducted online in Ethiopia from 22 April to 4 May 2020. The connection to the questionnaire were announced via email, digital media and the Jimma University website. The perception of COVID-19 was based on World Health Organisation (WHO) sources and knowledge. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software was used to analyse the data. A list of categories and factors was developed for facilitators' perceptions, barriers and information needs. An explanatory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to support the categorization. Standardized category means were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test. The p<0.05 value and significant differences were claimed as they were supposed to be taken as the very result of this article and further discussed in a manner of strategy to identify the false belief and superstitions regarding COVID-19.Inference: The assumption that youth are at minimal chance of contracting COVID-19 requires continuous monitoring and attention. Communication chances and social participation activities need to take into account local and community variations in misbelief and fake assurances. Local efforts must be designed to meet source needs and increase community ownership of anti-viral measures, and should support efforts to address standard precautions. Various methods of communication must be used and appropriately understood to make out the misbelief and fake information.