Knowledge of COVID-19, the practice of preventive measures, and their predictors among the residents of an LGA in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Knowledge is said to determine a behavioral change as well as the practice of good health. Was the knowledge of COVID-19 able to bring about positive behavioral changes and practices among the populace? This study assessed the knowledge of COVID-19, the practice of preventive measures as well as their predictors.

Methodology: Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on knowledge of COVID-19 and the practice of WHO COVID-19 preventive measures. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Categorical data were analyzed and reported as means, standard deviation, and frequency. Binary logistic regression was done to determine predictors.

Results: Nine out of ten participants knew that a virus caused COVID-19 and that it could be transmitted by close contact; however, 3% felt it was a spiritual attack. Most participants knew COVID-19 is transmittable through talking (83.2%), coughing (95%), sneezing (93.2%), and directly through contaminated surfaces. Over 80% knew the most common symptoms of fever, cough, and fatigue. One-third of participants knew a change or loss of taste and smell are less severe symptoms and that the inability to speak or complete a sentence is a severe symptom. Though, 7 out of 10 participants knew all the preventive measures for COVID-19, a third was not practicing physical distancing. Age group, education, tribe, and religion were predictors of COVID-19 knowledge and that of practice was age group.

Conclusion: Though many participants had good knowledge of COVID-19, etiology, transmission, and prevention, the knowledge about common symptoms and the severity of associated symptoms was poor. Their knowledge did not translate to practice because only 4 out of 10 practiced preventive measures.