DOI: njcpt.com.ng/101.1.2.20
Corresponding Author: NUHU TANKO
Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria.
E-mail: nuhu.tanko@yahoo.com
Abstract
Background: The Coronavirus (also known as SARS-CoV-2) causes the respiratory disease known as COVID19. Research on knowledge, attitude and practice is very important for understanding the level of awareness about the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards a disease.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate knowledge, perception, preventive practices and socio-political awareness about COVID-19 among Nigerians.
Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between August and October 2020. The study used an online self-administered questionnaire distributed to Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter accounts/groups. The questionnaire consists of five components including sociodemographic data, knowledge and perception, preventive practices, and socio-political awareness of COVID-19 among Nigerians.
Results: A total of 270 respondents were included in this study (71.9% males). Majority of the respondents (51.5%) are health professionals, 97% believed that the severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be spread from person-to-person, and 97%, 95%, and 97% respectively, agreed that coughing, fever and difficulty in breathing respectively, are common symptoms. Most of the participants agreed that social distancing and avoiding crowded area (93.3%), regular handwashing with soap and using hand sanitizer (91.8%) as well as wearing of face mask (89.6%) could reduce the risk of coronavirus infection. Regarding receiving COVID-19 vaccine, 63.3% accept the vaccine if it is developed in Nigeria, while 48.5% will receive the vaccine if it is developed outside Nigeria. More than half of the respondents (58.1%) believe that there are conspiracy issues surrounding SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Conclusion: Respondents have good knowledge and preventive practices and do not support myths on COVID19. Vaccine against COVID-19 should be a wake-up call for Nigerian policymakers.
Keywords: Knowledge, COVID-19, Nigeria, Vaccine, Myths.