Impact of COVID-19 Prevention Strategies on the health of individuals living in Nabor Community in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

COVID 19 preventative strategies have been advocated in schools, churches, seminars, billboards, radio jingles, and television commercials to get information to the public; and to enforce compliance. The study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 prevention measures on the health of the individuals in Nabor Settlement of Jos, North Central Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to collect data from the respondents and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential analytic measures were adopted for the analysis; and to ensure confidentiality and anonymity of the research subjects, appropriate ethical measures were undertaken. The results shows that a greater percentage (98%) among the respondents indicated a good knowledge of COVID-19 prevention measures and the entire participants practiced the prevention measures with 57% using face masks and 28% practicing hand washing; about 85% had tested for COVID-19 infection with 70% indicating a decrease in the number of infections and 28% indicating a reduction in hospitalization as per impact on the health of residents; the hypothesis showed a significant association between compliance to COVID-19 prevention measures and an impact on the health of the residents (Chi-66.8 > Crit. 3.481; P >0.05). The study concluded that COVID-19 prevention measures would have a positive impact on the health of the residents; thereby, reducing infections and hospitalization. Efforts should be put in place to enhance health education and sensitization campaigns in a bid to maintain this positive impact among the residents.