Tropical Medicine and Health (Dec 2020)

Community’s misconception about COVID-19 and its associated factors among Gondar town residents, Northwest Ethiopia

  • Habtamu Sewunet Mekonnen,
  • Abere Woretaw Azagew,
  • Chalachew Adugna Wubneh,
  • Getaneh Mulualem Belay,
  • Nega Tezera Assimamaw,
  • Chilot Desta Agegnehu,
  • Telake Azale,
  • Zelalem Nigussie Azene,
  • Mehari Woldemariam Merid,
  • Atalay Goshu Muluneh,
  • Demiss Mulatu Geberu,
  • Getahun Molla Kassa,
  • Melaku Kindie Yenit,
  • Sewbesew Yitayih Tilahun,
  • Kassahun Alemu Gelaye,
  • Animut Tagele Tamiru,
  • Bayew Kelkay Rade,
  • Eden Bishaw Taye,
  • Asefa Adimasu Taddese,
  • Zewudu Andualem,
  • Henok Dagne,
  • Kiros Terefe Gashaye,
  • Gebisa Guyasa Kabito,
  • Tesfaye Hambisa Mekonnen,
  • Sintayehu Daba Wami,
  • Jember Azanaw,
  • Tsegaye Adane,
  • Mekuriaw Alemayehu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-020-00279-8
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 48, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract Background Despite the implementation of various strategies such as the declaration of COVID-19 emergency state, staying at home, lockdown, and massive protective equipment distribution, still COVID-19 is increasing alarmingly. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the community’s perception of COVID-19 and its associated factors in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 635 Gondar administrative town residents, from April 20 to April 27, 2020. Study participants were selected using a cluster sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Epi-Data version 4.6 and STATA 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Logistic regressions (bivariable and multivariable) were performed to identify statistically significant variables at p < 0.05. Results Of the 635 study participants, 623 have completed the study with a 98.1% response rate. The mean age of participants was 36.32 years (SD ± 13.24). The overall magnitude of the community’s misconception about COVID-19 stood at 56.9% (349). Age and religion showed a negative association with misconceptions. To be specific, being in the age group of 27–33 (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.32, 0.86) and being a Muslim (AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34, 0.78) were negatively associated with the misconception of COVID-19, whereas occupation and awareness showed positive associations with the misconception. To be specific, having an unemployed occupational status (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.14, 2.82) and being unaware of the number of cases of COVID-19 (AOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.05, 2.62) were positively associated with the community’s misconception on COVID-19. Conclusion The magnitude of the community’s misconception about COVID-19 among Gondar town residents was high. Age, religion, unemployment, and unawareness about the number of COVID-19 cases were significant factors of misconception about COVID-19. Thus, stakeholders ought to build community perceptions about COVID 19. To resolve misinformation about COVID-19, accurate and relevant information should be provided to the community using appropriate communication media.

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