DOI: njcpt.com.ng/101.1.2.9

Corresponding Author: Edidiong Orok
Address: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Nigeria
Phone number: +2348136285019
Email: pharmorok@gmail.com OrCiD: 0000-0002-5273-1927

ABSTRACT

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 started in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has since spread rapidly to different parts of the world. There have been reports of the second wave of COVID-19 infections in several countries across the globe including Nigeria.

Objectives: This study was meant to assess the public's perception of the second wave of COVID-19 and its effect on their adherence to preventive measures of COVID-19. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study carried out among Amela Pharmacy customers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire interviewadministered to the respondents. Verbal consent of the participants was obtained before administering the questionnaires. The questionnaire assessed the perception of the participants on the second wave of COVID-19 and its effect on the compliance to preventive measures. The participants' perception was categorised into positive perception (score >50% of the total score) and negative perception (score <50% of the total score). Results: A total of 51 participants consented to participate in this study. More than 50% of the participants were female, while 17.6% were aged 21- 30 years. Majority of the study participants showed positive perception and stated that they wash their hands and use hand sanitizers most of the time since news of COVID-19 second wave. Conclusion: There was an overall good perception on the second wave of COVID-19 by the participants and good adherence to preventive measures with majority of the participants. There is need for more education on COVID-19 in order to eliminate misconceptions Key words: Second Wave, COVID-19, Perception, Preventive measures, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Download PDF