International Journal of Academic Research in Education and Review

Vol. 9(1), pp. 11-40, February 2021

ISSN: 2360-7866

DOI: 10.14662/IJARER2021.020

 

Full Length Research

 

 

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Covid � 19 Preventive Measures among Residents of Bayelsa State

 

¹Dr. Ikemike Dolfina Olaitari and ²Prof. Achalu I. E.

 

¹Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Bayelsa Medical University Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

Corresponding author�s E-mail: dolfike1@gmail.com. Postal Address,P.O.Box 772, Yenagoa Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

 

²Faculty of Education, Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Port Harcourt

Rivers State, Nigeria.

 

Accepted 17 February 2021

Abstract

 

The COVID -19 pandemic has become a major public health challenge globally with unprecedented measures being adopted to control the rapid spread of the epidemic. The knowledge, attitudes and practices of the people towards COVID -19 is critical to the effectiveness, adherence and success of the control measures adopted of this pandemic in a country. This study investigated the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards COVID -19 preventive measures among residents of Bayelsa State in Nigeria. A descriptive cross- sectional survey design was adopted for this study. The population for the study comprised of 1,500 residents, aged 20 years and above in Bayelsa State. The research instrument was a self -structure questionnaire. Multi- stage stratified random sampling technique was used; Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to get the 10% of respondents, representing each stratum. The statistical tools used for analysis of the data include descriptive statistics of percentage and mean, and inferential statistics of chi- square, one-way ANOVA and Z- test (using the statistical package for social sciences � SPSS). Results: based on knowledge of Covid-19 preventive measures among residents of Bayelsa State based on age, educational level and religion shows no significance for all items except for the statements that: the COVID- 19 virus spreads via respiratory droplet of infected individuals; Not all persons with COVID-19 will develop to severe cases; There is certainly no effective cure for COVID-19,but early symptomatic and supportive treatment can help most patients recover from the infection and Isolation and treatment of people who are infected with the COVID -19 virus are effective ways to reduce the spread of the virus. This study recorded good knowledge, positive attitudes and good practice of COVID -19 preventive measures among participants of Bayelsa State Though the practice of Covid-19 preventive measures was significantly different among the various age groups. This might be as a result of the way the disease affects the different age group. Also there is significant difference in attitude towards COVID -19 preventive measures among residents of Bayelsa State, based on religion, with the belief that the disease is caused by devil. Hence few recommendations were made.

 

Key Words: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Covid � 19, Preventive Measures.

 

Cite This Article As: Ikemike, D.O., Achalu, I. E. (2021). Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Covid � 19 Preventive Measures among Residents of Bayelsa State. Inter. J. Acad. Res. Educ. Rev. 9(1): 11-40