Prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of perceived family functionality, marital satisfaction and intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 lockdown among married primary healthcare users.

Background: The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on family experiences has not been thoroughly evaluated, given the consequent stressful home environment it reportedly caused that can adversely affect family dynamics. This study examined the prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of perceived family functionality, marital satisfaction and intimate partner violence (IPV) during the lockdown among married healthcare users in a Nigerian primary care setting. Materials and Methods: The study was cross sectional. Data were collected randomly from 432 eligible attendees of a primary care clinic in Kano, Nigeria. Information regarding participants' sociodemographic characteristics, family functioning, marital satisfaction and IPV were measured using a sociodemographic questionnaire, APGAR-, Kansas marital satisfaction- and verbal HITS-scales. Results: Respondents' mean (range) age was 30 (15-70) years; 293 (67.8%) were females. Family dysfunction, marital dissatisfaction and probable IPV were found in 44.2, 56.5 and 50.5% of respondents, respectively. The odds of a functional family were higher among caregiver and female respondents but lower among those aged ≥50 years, students, non-Hausa/Fulani, those with low education and residing outside the Kano metropolis during the lockdown. Marital satisfaction was higher among caregivers and respondents from polygamous families and lower among respondents aged ≥50 years. No studied sociodemographic variable predicted probable IPV. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of family dysfunction, marital dissatisfaction and probable IPV among the respondents during the lockdown. These findings suggest screening married patients for family dysfunction, marital dissatisfaction and IPV during similar lockdowns for appropriate interventions. The predictor variables could form essential considerations for the screening.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of patients and caregivers attending a Northern Nigerian family medicine clinic regarding the use of face mask during COVID-19 pandemic: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Introduction: facemask use is well recognized as an effective public health strategy for preventing COVID-19. However, facemask can only provide enough protection if people recognize its importance and learn how to use it properly. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients or caregivers regarding the use of facemasks as a COVID-19 preventive measure and identifies the factors associated with its practice. Methods: a cross-sectional study where 480 patients or caregivers attending the Family Medicine Clinic were systematically selected over four weeks. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on KAP regarding facemasks use. Student t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics and KAP. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and practices. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: about 82% of the respondents knew the correct steps of wearing a facemask, but with low positive attitudes. Further analyses showed that respondents were more likely to wear a facemask at clinics and public places than at home. There was a moderately strong correlation between knowledge and practices but weak correlations between attitude and knowledge, and attitude and practices of facemask use. Conclusion: the study revealed good knowledge and practices but low attitudes towards facemask use. Therefore, public health programmes or interventions on facemask usage as a COVID-19 preventive measure, should address the attitudinal problems and also involve the family and community leaders to enhance compliance.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of patients and caregivers attending a Northern Nigerian family medicine clinic regarding the use of face mask during COVID-19 pandemic: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

Introduction facemask use is well recognized as an effective public health strategy for preventing COVID-19. However, facemask can only provide enough protection if people recognize its importance and learn how to use it properly. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients or caregivers regarding the use of facemasks as a COVID-19 preventive measure and identifies the factors associated with its practice. Methods a cross-sectional study where 480 patients or caregivers attending the Family Medicine Clinic were systematically selected over four weeks. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on KAP regarding facemasks use. Student t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics and KAP. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and practices. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results about 82% of the respondents knew the correct steps of wearing a facemask, but with low positive attitudes. Further analyses showed that respondents were more likely to wear a facemask at clinics and public places than at home. There was a moderately strong correlation between knowledge and practices but weak correlations between attitude and knowledge, and attitude and practices of facemask use. Conclusion the study revealed good knowledge and practices but low attitudes towards facemask use. Therefore, public health programmes or interventions on facemask usage as a COVID-19 preventive measure, should address the attitudinal problems and also involve the family and community leaders to enhance compliance.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on primary care research in a resource-limited setting: a commentary.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on several aspects of human existence including primary care research activities in resource-limited settings. Opportunities exist for initiating multi-disciplinary collaborative research teams that may examine current controversial areas of the disease such as prevention, diagnosis and treatment; experiences of stakeholders like COVID-19 survivors and frontline health workers; and individuals and community experiences during lockdowns. Challenges associated with initiating new studies and/or sustaining old ones and publication of research outcomes may need to be curtailed through alternative strategies and support from stakeholders.