preprint · medRxiv
A cross-sectional survey of 1,437 respondents in Egypt and Nigeria assessed public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings show that 61.6 percent of participants possessed satisfactory knowledge of the disease, with scores influenced by age between 18 and 39 years, college or bachelor level education, and respondent background. Most respondents demonstrated satisfactory attitudes towards preventive measures, and 96 percent practised self-isolation and social distancing. However, only 36 percent adhered to all recommended health guidelines. Perceptions of global control efforts were satisfactory among 62.1 percent of participants, but only 22 percent were satisfied with their national government's handling of the crisis. Higher knowledge levels were significantly associated with more positive attitudes and perceptions, underscoring the necessity for governments to improve surveillance, strengthen health systems, and enforce standard infection prevention and control practices.
Understanding public awareness and compliance is essential for managing viral outbreaks. Even when awareness and individual distancing practices are widespread, low adherence to comprehensive health recommendations and limited trust in national responses present serious obstacles. These findings highlight the need for authorities to address specific compliance gaps and reinforce healthcare infrastructure to prevent wider transmission across the region.
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Abstract The current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed and impacted lives on a global scale since its emergence and spread from China in late 2019. It has caused millions of infections, and thousands of deaths worldwide. However, the control of this pandemic still remains unachievable in many African countries including Egypt and Nigeria, despite the application of some strict preventive and control measures. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, attitude and perceptions of Egyptians and Nigerians towards COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 1437 respondents were included in this preliminary cross-sectional survey. The mean knowledge score was 14.7±2.3. The majority of the respondents (61.6%) had a satisfactory knowledge of the disease. Age (18-39 years), education (College/bachelors) and background of respondents were factors influencing knowledge levels. The attitude of most respondents (68.9%) towards the preventive measures was satisfactory with an average attitude score of 6.9 ± 1.2. The majority of the respondents (96%) practiced self-isolation and social-distancing but only 36% follow all health recommendations. The perception of most respondents (62.1%) on the global efforts at controlling the virus and preventing further spread was satisfactory with an average score of 10.9 ± 2.7. A satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 was significantly associated with good attitude and perceptions (p < 0.001) of respondents. Only 22% of the respondents were satisfied with their country’s handling of the pandemic. It is imperative that to avoid Africa being the next epicenter of the pandemic. Governments need to strengthen health systems, improve their surveillance activities in detecting cases, and effectively apply standard infection prevention and control measures.
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DOI: 10.1101/2020.05.27.20113951
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