Caribbean Medical Journal (Apr 2022)
Correlates of COVID-19 Knowledge and Willingness to do a COVID-19 Test among Taxi Drivers in Kingston, Jamaica
Abstract
Objective This study sought to describe the knowledge and awareness of taxi drivers in Jamaica regarding COVID-19 and to identify socio-demographic correlates of knowledge. This study also examined the relationship between knowledge of COVID-19 and self-reported willingness to do a COVID-19 test. Methods In May 2020, a cross-sectional study was done among 282 taxi drivers in the Kingston and St. Andrew (KSA) metropolitan region in Jamaica. Data were collected using a 28-item anonymized self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge scores were generated and the differences in the mean ranks by socio-demographic variables were examined using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of willingness to do a COVID-19 test. Results Knowledge score ranged from 2 to 10 (highest possible score 10); median score = 9 (IQR=2). Approximately 83% expressed willingness to take a COVID-19 test. Binary logistic regression revealed that gender and knowledge score were independent predictors of willingness to take a COVID-19 test. With every unit increase in knowledge score, taxi drivers were 1.3 times more willing to take a COVID-19 test (OR 1.3, 95% CI: 1.09-1.55). Compared to males, females were less willing to take a COVID-19 test (OR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.025-0.716). Conclusion Taxi drivers had relatively high COVID-19-related knowledge scores. Improved knowledge may positively influence the adoption of COVID-19 prevention ‘technologies’ and the maintenance of desired behaviors among taxi drivers who collectively have a critical role to play in the reduction of COVID-19 transmission.
