Appraisal of the knowledge, attitude, perception and practices among northern Nigerians in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to measure the knowledge, attitude, perception and practices of northern Nigerians toward the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials & methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study and the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results & discussions: There were 713 participants, of which 54.0, 57.4, 67.6, 36.2 and 28.9% were between 18 and 30 years of age, married, males, having bachelor's degree and civil servants, respectively. High level of knowledge, attitude, perception and practice was found. Pearson correlation analysis found strong positive (r = 0.622; p < 0.001) relationships between knowledge, attitude, perception (r = 0.454; p < 0.001) and at last, practice (r = 0.282; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Young, male and married northern Nigerians of high socio-economic status had better knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices toward COVID-19.

Lay abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak is still affecting the world with infections still soaring. The prevention and control strategies still remain: personal hygienic practices, vaccination, avoidance of overcrowding and wearing of face masks outdoors. Full compliance and adherence to these control measures is determined by the level of knowledge, attitude, perception and practices on possession of the disease, which is what this study sets to measure. We found that young, male, married, educated and employed people have higher level of knowledge, positive attitude, good perception and practices toward COVID-19.