Intellectual humility predicts COVID-19 preventive practices through greater adoption of data-driven information and feelings of responsibility

Preventive health practices have been crucial to mitigating viral spread during the COVID-19 pandemic. In two studies, we examined whether intellectual humility-openness to one's existing knowledge being inaccurate-related to greater engagement in preventive health practices (social distancing, handwashing, mask-wearing). In Study 1, we found that intellectually humble people were more likely to engage in COVID-19 preventive practices. Additionally, this link was driven by intellectually humble people's tendency to adopt information from data-driven sources (e.g., medical experts) and greater feelings of responsibility over the outcomes of COVID-19. In Study 2, we found support for these relationships over time (2 weeks). Additionally, Study 2 showed that the link between intellectual humility and preventive practices was driven by a greater tendency to adopt data-driven information when encountering it, rather than actively seeking out such information. These findings reveal the promising role of intellectual humility in making well-informed decisions during public health crises.

Self-efficacy and COVID-19 prevention behaviour among adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: COVID-19 has become a serious epidemic in Indonesia, even in the corners of the earth. Every day COVID-19 patients continue to increase, and almost all circles of society are exposed to the virus regardless of age and gender. In dealing with conditions such as the current pandemic, it is necessary to have self-efficacy in good adolescent prevention practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between self-efficacy and the practice of preventing COVID-19 in adolescents. M ethods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 232 senior high school students in Lumajang, Indonesia. Quota sampling was used to recruit the respondents. The data were collected using general self-efficacy and COVID-19 preventive behaviour among adolescents. The univariate analyses in the form of frequency and percentage. Furthermore, bivariate analyses with the Spearman Correlation Test were performed for data analysis. Results: The results of this study indicate that the majority of Persatuan Guru Republik Indonesia (Indonesian: Teacher's Union of the Republic of Indonesia) (PGRI) high school students' self-efficacy levels are in the moderate category, with a total of 120 (51.7 %), while most COVID-19 prevention practices are 129 respondents (55.6 %). The results of the Spearman correlation test show a positive relationship between self-efficacy and the practice of preventing COVID-19, as evidenced by a significant value of 0.0001 (p<0.05) and a correlation value of 0.903. The strength of relationship in this study is strong. Conclusion: High self-efficacy can affect prevention practices that can be done well because the higher self-efficacy, the person could act with confidence and be more careful in acting, for example, such as carrying out preventive practices to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Strategies to improve self-efficacy may be beneficial in increasing positive behaviour toward COVID-19. © 2022 Academia Nacional de Medicina. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 preventive practices and associated factors among high school and preparatory school students in Dessie City, Ethiopia.

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, the most pretentious sector besides the economy is the education system. Ethiopia is not equipped with the infrastructure and facilities to provide online classes for students at all levels. Hence, all institutions were re-opened with mandatory infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols such as the use of face masks, physical distancing, shifts in classes, and routine hand washing practices with soap and water to restrict the spread of the virus. Nevertheless, there has been no monitoring and follow- up and there is no data on IPC compliance among school children in the country. The purpose of this study was to examine the COVID-19 preventive practices and their associated factors among high and preparatory school students in Dessie City, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by using a pre-tested face-to-face applied structured questionnaire and direct observations from March 8 to March 20, 2021, in five high and preparatory schools in Dessie City. The sample size was proportionally allocated in each school based on the students' total number registered in the first academic semester, then stratified by grade level, and proportionally allocated to each grade and section. Finally, a simple random sampling method was used to select study participants. Variables with p-values < 0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression analysis were entered into the multivariate logistic regression model. Results: This study involved 422 students with a response rate of 98.8%. The level of good preventive practices was 43.7%. After adjusting for covariates, female, positive attitudes, received IPC training and clear accessible sharing of information and feedback with parents, students and teachers were identified as predictors of good precaution practices. Conclusion: The prevalence of good prevention practices for COVID-19 among students was relatively very low. Therefore, the Department of Health and Education of Dessie City and each school should implement environmental health programs and promote prevention practices in high schools and preparatory schools.

Preventive Health and Hygiene Practices in World's Most Productive Locomotive Factory Workers During Covid-19 Pandemic

After the successful combat with the first covid wave in the country, Mutation created havoc in India. This was addressed to poor social habits and irresponsible covid behavior in the community and lack of awareness. Many studies during and after the pandemic assessed the preventive health and hygiene practices of Health Care and front-line workers and reported substandard and suboptimal practices regarding various subsections, but only a few studies investigated the practices of the conununity, and no study addressed the preventive practices of factory workers and labors. This study assessed the health and hygiene practices of Chittaranjan Locomotive Workers, India, the world's most productive locomotives. A pre-validated questionnaire consisting of 21 items incorporating various subsections including hand hygiene, social distancing, mask, gadgets/fomites, and lifestyle was used for the study. The findings of the study unfold some suboptimal practices regarding hand hygiene, social distancing while working, repeatedly touching, and inappropriate disposal of masks, which could lead to widespread infections, and families of workers were found to be at greater risk. However, in most of the areas workers were aware and cautious but constant vigilance and heightened self-awareness can result in better prevention from infections. The study will contributeto policy framing and program building in times of health emergencies and also will strengthen the health practices of workers who are most vulnerable to infections.

Self-reported adherence to preventive practices during the third wave of COVID-19 in Afghanistan.

Objective: The study objectives were aimed to highlight the areas where public awareness is needed to enhance preventive practices among the public. Hence, to avoid the spread of virus in public settings. In addition, the study has provided compelling data and evidence on the coronavirus disease-2019 trend for health policymakers to make strategic decisions. Introduction: The coronavirus disease-2019 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type-2. The disease has spread across the globe. In Afghanistan, thousands of confirmed cases with hundreds of deaths have been reported. In addition, due to insufficient healthcare workforce, insecurity, fragile healthcare infrastructure, low coronavirus disease-2019 vaccination and low testing capacity, the true nature of the pandemic is unlcear. Method: An online survey of the general population in Afghanistan was conducted from April-May 2021. Convenience sampling technique was used to recruit the respondents. Social media platforms were used (WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook Messenger) to disseminate the electronic survey instrument. Written informed consent was taken from the participants before the filling questionnaires. Data collection was guided through a self-administered questionnaire developed by the researchers according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The sample size was calculated using EPI software. The inclusion criteria were being 18 years or older and having access to the Internet to fill out the online questionnaire. IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and bi-variable (chi-square) analyses were done. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant at a 95% confidence interval. Results: From 1094 respondents, 78% were male. The majority of respondents were aged ⩽30 years and had an undergraduate education. Nearly 1 in 3 participants were healthcare workers, and 70% lived in households with five or more family members. Overall, 70% of the respondents reported good preventive practices. The majority of the participants reported covering their mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing and cleaning their hands regularly and using alcohol. Meanwhile, 80% of the participants wore a mask when going outside. Moreover, people with post-graduate education had a higher level of preventive practices than those with an undergraduate education.The results of logistic regression revealed participants residence in Kabul, healthcare workers, family size less than 5, avoid meeting people outside, gender, and avoiding 3Cs, were the significant determinants of adhering to good preventive practices. Conclusion: Generally, the public in Afghanistan followed infection prevention rules. However, certain areas require further improvement, such as observing social distance and avoiding shaking hands when meeting others. Negligence of these prevention practices can lead to an increase in infection transmission among people. Public awareness should be continued to keep the people supportive of the government policies.

Children’s Views of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Preventive Practices: Comparing Verbal and Visual Empirical Evidence

Despite the growing body of research on the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s wellbeing, few studies so far have explored children’s points of view, while the majority were based on data collected during the first year of the pandemic. The present study attempted to capture children’s views 1 year after the beginning of the pandemic, and to this end, data were collected during Spring 2021 in Greece. Specifically, by combining verbal and visual data, the study attempted to explore children’s views of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 preventive practices. Participants involved 320 children, ranging in age from 4 to 12 years, who were asked to verbally describe and draw (a) Coronavirus and (b) the preventive measures adopted to mitigate the pandemic. Data analysis indicated that overall, children’s views involve elements of scientifically appropriate information since from an early age they are able to describe and depict SARS-CoV-2 in ways that reflect the abundance of available verbal and visual information in the public sphere. Moreover, children recommended suitable COVID-19 preventive practices since their verbal and drawing responses included references to both the Hygienic and Social preventive practices that prevailed during the time of data collection. Age-related differences in children’s views, as well as differences between the two data collection techniques, were also found. Results also showed that children who described SARS-CoV-2 as a virus or a germ tended to report more hygienic practices than those who failed to describe the term appropriately. The findings shed light on the way children form their views of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 and raise research educational implications. Copyright © 2022 Christidou, Bonoti, Papadopoulou, Hatzinikita and Doumpala.

Assessing Knowledge, Preventive Practices, and Depression Among Chinese International Students and Local Korean Students in South Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Cross-Sectional Study.

Depression among university students and international university students is an increasing problem globally. This study aimed to clarify the differences on the conditions and determinants of the knowledge, preventive practices and depression of the Chinese international students and local Korean students in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online cross-sectional questionnaire including general demographic characteristics, COVID-19-related knowledge, preventive practice, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was applied from March 23 to April 22, 2020. A total of 533 university students (171 Chinese international students and 362 local South Korean students) were included in the study. The majority of both Chinese international students and local South Korean students had a good comprehension of COVID-19. Chinese international students in South Korea showed better preventive practice than local Korean students, while the proportion of moderate to severe depression of Chinese international students was relatively higher (28.07%) than that of local Korean students (22.38%). Determinants of depression of Chinese international students in South Korea were information satisfaction, likelihood of survival after infection, symptoms of a cough and feelings of discrimination, while for local Korean students were gender, educational level, family, suspected symptoms, self-assessed physical health status, COVID-19 detection, population contact history and online sources of information. These results could be used as a reference for decreasing the depressive symptoms among the university students.

Anxiety, knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices toward COVID-19 among patients with psychiatric illness - A comparative study from South India

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has induced serious threats to people's mental health. There are increasing concerns about anxiety linked with COVID-19. There are very few studies conducted to understand the needs of the mentally ill during this pandemic. Aim: The study aimed to assess and compare the anxiety, knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices related to COVID-19 among people with and without psychiatric illnesses. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among patients with psychiatric illnesses and their caregivers in the psychiatry department of a tertiary hospital. All consenting adults with a diagnosed psychiatric illness and scoring < 3 in the Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale were included in the case group. All consenting adult caregivers who accompany the patients were included in the reference group. Coronavirus Anxiety Scale and Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Practices towards COVID-19 Questionnaire were administered. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS (19.0 version). Results: Less than 10% of the participants in both the groups had COVID-related anxiety. 98.3% of the participants in both the groups knew that isolation and treatment of COVID-19-affected individuals can prevent the spread of the virus. Avoidance of handshaking (case - 85% and reference - 81.7%) and going out of home unnecessarily (case - 83.3% and reference - 81.7%) were the predominant preventive practices in both the groups. Only, the attitude had a statistically significant difference between both the groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with psychiatric illness had fair knowledge, and they followed preventive practices toward COVID-19 that are comparable with healthy individuals. There were discrepancies between their knowledge and preventive practices.

Temporal Variations and Spatial Disparities in Public Sentiment Toward COVID-19 and Preventive Practices in the United States: Infodemiology Study of Tweets.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, US public health authorities and county, state, and federal governments recommended or ordered certain preventative practices, such as wearing masks, to reduce the spread of the disease. However, individuals had divergent reactions to these preventive practices. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to understand the variations in public sentiment toward COVID-19 and the recommended or ordered preventive practices from the temporal and spatial perspectives, as well as how the variations in public sentiment are related to geographical and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: The authors leveraged machine learning methods to investigate public sentiment polarity in COVID-19-related tweets from January 21, 2020 to June 12, 2020. The study measured the temporal variations and spatial disparities in public sentiment toward both general COVID-19 topics and preventive practices in the United States. RESULTS: In the temporal analysis, we found a 4-stage pattern from high negative sentiment in the initial stage to decreasing and low negative sentiment in the second and third stages, to the rebound and increase in negative sentiment in the last stage. We also identified that public sentiment to preventive practices was significantly different in urban and rural areas, while poverty rate and unemployment rate were positively associated with negative sentiment to COVID-19 issues. CONCLUSIONS: The differences between public sentiment toward COVID-19 and the preventive practices imply that actions need to be taken to manage the initial and rebound stages in future pandemics. The urban and rural differences should be considered in terms of the communication strategies and decision making during a pandemic. This research also presents a framework to investigate time-sensitive public sentiment at the county and state levels, which could guide local and state governments and regional communities in making decisions and developing policies in crises.

Knowledge of COVID‑19 and Practice of Preventive Measures among Adult Residents during the Ease of Lockdown in Nigeria

AJOL : Background: The governments of many countries have taken steps to avert the spread of COVID 19. The gradual relaxation of the lockdown in Nigeria might be counter‑productive if not properly managed. The best means to reduce and stop transmission is for the public to be adequately informed about the disease and its preventive measures. This research assessed the knowledge of COVID‑19 and practice of preventive measuresalong with its predictors among Nigerian residents during the ease of the lockdown. Methodology: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 1421 adult residents of Nigeria. Data were collected between 6th and 20th September, 2020, using a semi-structured online questionnaire adapted from previous studies. IBM SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis. Pearson's Chi‑square and logistic regression were used to determine the predictors of preventive practices. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 27.5 ± 9.1 years. Avery large proportion (98.8%) of the respondents had a good knowledge of the disease (score of ≥4 out of 6 variables) and the internet (70.1%) was the major source of their information. However, only 57.6% of them had good practice of preventive measures of the disease (score of ≥3 out of 4). Predictor of good practice of preventive measure included female sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.626;95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.078-3.319), being married (AOR = 2.177;95% CI = 1.568-3.023), and possessing tertiary and postgraduate level of education (AOR = 1.813;95% CI = 1.082-3.036 and AOR = 2.102;95% CI = 1.206-3.664, respectively). However, residents in local government headquarters and other villages as well as towns (AOR = 0.541;95% CI = 0.388-0.756 and AOR = 0.587;95% CI = 0.350-0.983, respectively) have less likelihood of engaging in good practice of preventive measures. Conclusion: Majority of the research participants had good knowledge of the disease, while about half take part in good preventive practices measures. Predictors of the practice measures included sex, level of education, place of residence, as well as marital status. Therefore, targeted interventions should be directed to the males, those who reside outside the Federal Capital Territory and state capitals, and other high‑risk groups as found by this study to reduce the risk of disease contraction during this period

A cross-sectional study of COVID-19-related knowledge, risk perceptions, and preventive practices among pharmacy students in Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVES: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is a threat to public health that impacts the life of frontline pharmacists as they are more susceptible to getting infected by the coronavirus. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, risk perceptions, and preventive practices associated with coronavirus disease 2019 among pharmacy students of Bangladesh to evaluate their preparedness as future frontline workers against the ongoing pandemic. METHODS: An online-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacy undergraduate students of Bangladesh during the early months of the pandemic in April 2020. Respondents voluntarily submitted an online questionnaire regarding sociodemographics, knowledge, risk perceptions, and preventive practices related to coronavirus disease 2019. RESULTS: A total of 418 participants submitted their responses, and we included 395 responses for final analysis. The mean age of the participants was 20.65 years. The study revealed that out of 395 pharmacy students, 68 (17.2%) had high levels of knowledge, 210 (53.2%) possessed high risk perceptions regarding coronavirus disease 2019, and 165 (41.7%) were adopting high levels of preventive practices. Average scores for knowledge, risk perceptions, and preventive practices were 5.7, 8.4, and 8.2 out of 10. Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses showed that having high knowledge levels was associated with high risk perceptions regarding coronavirus disease 2019. Similarly, higher risk perceptions were associated with having high knowledge and preventive measures, while higher preventive measures were associated with female gender, low monthly family income, and having high risk perceptions. CONCLUSION: We found moderate knowledge, risk perceptions, and preventive practices related to coronavirus disease 2019 among the undergraduate pharmacy students. We recommend awareness-building discussions or seminars focusing on pharmacy students. In addition, the upgradation of the existing curriculum may help future pharmacists.

Would Older Adults Perform Preventive Practices in the Post-COVID-19 Era? A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Survey in China.

During the post-COVID-19 era, preventive practices, such as washing hands and wearing a mask, remain key measures for controlling the spread of infection for older adults. This study investigated the status of preventive practices among older adults and identified the related influencing factors. Participants who were ≥60 years old were recruited nationwide. Data were collected through self-designed questionnaires, including demographic variables, knowledge, perceived vulnerability, response efficacy, anxiety and preventive practices. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed. Hierarchical logistic regression was conducted to determine the predictors. A total of 2996 participants completed this study. Of them, 2358 (78.7%) participants reported washing hands regularly in the last two weeks, and 1699 (56.7%) always wore masks outside this year. Knowledge (hand washing: OR = 1.09, p < 0.01; mask wearing: OR = 1.17, p < 0.01) and response efficacy (hand washing: OR = 1.61, p < 0.01; mask wearing: OR = 1.70, p < 0.01) were positively associated with preventive practices, whereas perceived vulnerability had a negative effect (hand washing: OR = 0.54, p < 0.01; mask wearing: OR = 0.72, p < 0.01). Knowledge, response efficacy and perceived vulnerability were found to be significant predictors of the preventive practice among older adults in the post-COVID-19 era. This study provides new insights into preventive suggestions after the peak of the pandemic and also has significant implications in improving the life quality of older adults.

The COSMO-Spain Survey: Three First Rounds of the WHO Behavioral Insights Tool.

Objective: To describe changes in knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices (KAP), risk perception, and psychological variables of Spanish population toward the COVID-19 pandemic from July to November 2020. Methods: Three samples, each of one composed by 1,000+ persons aged 18 years or older, were interviewed online in three rounds, every 2 months, from July to November 2020. Results: The level of knowledge on COVID-19 was high in the three rounds, with percentages above 95% of correct answers related to ways of contagion and correct use of face masks. The most accepted measure was the mandatory use of face masks (80-86% of agreement in the three rounds, p = 0.001), followed by the night curfew (63% of agreement). Most participants (>80%) consistently reported using face masks, ventilating spaces, and washing or disinfecting hands. However, risk perception and self-efficacy were low. Worry about losing a loved one, the health system overload and people who do not wear face masks was high (>85% of the samples). The percentage of respondents who felt depressed due to COVID-19 increased from round 1 to round 3 (p = 0.044). Conclusions: Spanish population has a high degree of KAP, but a relatively low risk perception and self-efficacy. These findings can help health authorities to guide containment measures and campaigns addressed to improve preventive practices.

Factors influencing risk perception and nosocomial infection prevention practices of frontline nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, exploring factors influencing nosocomial infection among frontline nurses may provide evidence to optimize prevention strategies in hospitals. METHOD: A large-scale online questionnaire survey of nurses' state-trait anxiety, job burnout, risk perception, workplace safety perception, knowledge about nosocomial infection, and preventive practices was conducted with 2795 frontline nurses working in the COVID-19 wards of six hospitals in Hubei Province, China, from February 1 to April 1, 2020. The questionnaire data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling (SEM) method to reveal the mechanisms influencing nurses' risk perception and preventive practices related to nosocomial COVID-19 infection. RESULTS: A model of the factors that influence nurses' risk perception and preventive practices regarding nosocomial COVID-19 infection was established. The model verified hypotheses regarding the impact of nurses' risk perception and preventive practices. Notably, the hypothesis that risk perception has an impact on nurses' preventive practices regarding nosocomial infection is not valid. Moreover, different marital and educational conditions are associated with significant differences in the impact of state anxiety on the execution of preventive practices, the impact of workplace safety perceptions on risk perception, and the impact of workplace safety perceptions on the execution of preventive practices. The effect of state anxiety on preventive practices differed significantly with different durations of work experience. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the influencing factor model, promoting the quality of training on nosocomial infection, meliorating workplace safety, and conducting timely and effective psychological interventions would aid in improving nurses' preventive practices. Meliorating workplace safety and easing state anxiety would be beneficial to reduce nurses' risk perception. These strategies are conducive to the optimization of policies for preventing nosocomial COVID-19 infections and similar infectious diseases.

Public knowledge, attitude, practices, and level of anxiety toward the COVID-19 pandemic among people living in Oman.

The purpose was to examine knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices, as well as anxiety and stress of people living in a Gulf country with a diverse population toward the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional, exploratory design was used to meet the aims of this study. The target population was all individuals aged 18 years and older and who can read and write Arabic, English, or Hindi. The results showed that most individuals demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding COVID-19. Most individuals believed that COVID-19 is not fatal and that countries can control the COVID-19 virus. Despite the lower levels of anxiety and stress among this population, many individuals reported high levels of stress and anxiety. Higher levels of anxiety, higher levels of knowledge, and being married were associated with more preventive practices. This study showed that the level of knowledge is positively associated with compliance with preventive measures. Providing the public with accurate and consistent information regarding COVID-19 may enhance their compliance with preventive measures. Using different risk communication strategies will ensure collaboration from the public and encourage them to be active members when facing contagious diseases.

Association Between Self-Reported Adherence to Preventive Practices and Probability of Turning COVID-19 Positive: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study.

Background Preventive practices are the mainstay to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. We tried to assess the self-reported adherence of our participants to the already known preventive practices. Furthermore, we tried to determine whether the non-compliance to specific preventive practices was associated with the acquisition of the infection or not. Methods We enrolled 379 healthcare workers, hospital staff, and their family members who were tested for COVID-19 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in an outpatient clinic. Socio-demography and the infection prevention practices of the individuals were recorded in a preformed questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed to find out the statistical association between these factors and the RT-PCR results. Adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios were determined to find out the degree of protection provided by each of the preventive practices concerning the development of the disease. Results Social distancing (p<0.001), hand hygiene (p<0.001), ensuring N-95 mask fit check (p<0.001), and the use of alternative medications (p=0.002) were found to be protective. Resident doctors were at a lower risk of developing the disease as compared to the other healthcare workers (odds ratio: 0.39). Conclusion The failure to practice the already known preventive practices is probably one of the most important factors in the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adherence to these practices is the intervention of choice to reduce disease transmission in the current scenario.

Assessment of Preventive Practices Followed by General Public During COVID-19 Pandemic - A Cross-Sectional Survey From India.

Objectives COVID-19 has infected millions of people across the globe, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths. Currently, there are no vaccines available for COVID-19, and the most effective way to curb its spread is to follow preventive practices. The present study aimed to assess the extent of adoption of preventive practices among the general population in India. Methods A web-based cross-sectional survey was carried out recruiting 964 participants from all over India through purposive sampling. A pre-validated questionnaire consisting of 37 questions was used to collect data. Items 1A to 18A covered various preventive practices and items 1B to 19B covered reasons for not following those preventive practices. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted. Results Most participants reported taking precautions such as wearing masks (91.80%), covering both nose and mouth (79.14%) and avoiding hand shaking (83.40%). However, practices like following social distancing in public places (51.76%) and workplace (51.04%), frequent hand washing/sanitising (63.59%) and washing hands for at least 20 seconds (45.44%) were less commonly observed. Participants failed to follow social distancing because of overcrowding and lack of space. They also found it cumbersome to wash hands multiple times. Female participants and people residing in metropolitan and small cities were fairly doing well in following preventive practices. Conclusion The study helped in identifying the glitches in following various preventive practices against COVID-19 during unlock phase and reasons for the failure to perform these practices.

Knowledge and preventive practice to COVID-19 among household heads in Enugu metropolis, South-East Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: the coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way we live. The use of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) has been reported to be effective in controlling similar respiratory diseases outbreak in the past and is being used as one of the mainstays of control of the pandemic. We therefore assessed the knowledge and practice of preventive measures against COVID-19 among adults in Enugu metropolis during the outbreak in the State. METHODS: we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 320 adults who were recruited through a multistage sampling technique. We used semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect information on the knowledge and preventive practices against COVID-19. The data were analyzed using the IBM-SPSS version 25. RESULTS: the mean age of the participants was 41.6±12.5 years. There were 168 (52.5%) male, 69.7% had attained tertiary education and 57.8% were self-employed. Overall, 256 (80.0%) of the respondents had good knowledge about COVID-19. Only 133 (41.6%) had good practice of preventive measures among respondents. The more commonly practiced NPIs among the respondents were use of alcohol hand sanitizer (86.6%), physical distancing (85.6%), washing of hands with soap and water (81.6%) and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces (80.9%). The NPIs the respondents practiced poorly were use of face mask (33.8%) and avoidance of crowded areas (47.2%). Having good knowledge (aOR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.65 - 6.05) and attaining secondary education or less (aOR: 2; 95%CI: 10-3.13) were the only predictors of good practice of preventive measures. CONCLUSION: the highly educated segment of the population needs to be targeted with appropriate messages to improve their adoption of the right preventive measures against COVID-19.