Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) and misconceptions in the general population of Katsina State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

IntroductionOver six million cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reported globally by the second quarter of 2020. The various forms of interventions and measures adopted to control the disease affected peoples social and behavioural practices. AimThis study aims to investigate COVID-19 related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) as well as misconceptions in Katsina state, one of the largest epicentres of the COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria. MethodsThe study is a cross-sectional survey of 722 respondents using an electronic questionnaire through the WhatsApp media platform. ResultsOne thousand five hundred (1500) questionnaires were sent to the general public with a response rate of 48% (i.e. 722 questionnaires completed and returned). Among the respondents, 60% were men, 45% were 25-39 years of age, 56% held bachelors degree/equivalent and above and 54% were employed. The study respondents correct rate in the knowledge questionnaire was 80% suggesting high knowledge of the disease. A significant correlation (P < 0.05) exists between the average knowledge score of the respondents and their level of education ({tau}b = 0.16). Overall, most of the respondents agreed that the COVID-19 will be successfully controlled (84%) and the Nigerian government would win the fight against the pandemic (71%). Men were more likely than female (P < 0.05) to have recently attended a crowded place. Being more educated (bachelors degree or equivalent and above vs diploma or equivalent and below) is associated with good COVID-19 related practices. Among the respondents, 83% held at least one misconception related to COVID-19, with the most frequent being that the virus was created in a laboratory (36%). Respondents with a lower level of education received and trust COVID-19 related information from local radio and television stations and respondents at all levels of education selected that they would trust health unit and health care workers for relevant COVID-19 information. ConclusionAlthough there is high COVID-19 related knowledge among the sample, misconceptions are widespread among the respondents. These misconceptions have consequences on the short- and long-term control efforts against the disease and hence should be incorporated in targeted campaigns. Health care related personnel should be at the forefront of the campaign.