Community’s misconception about COVID-19 and its associated factors among Gondar town residents, Northwest Ethiopia

• Published in: Tropical Medicine and Health
• Main Authors: Habtamu Sewunet Mekonnen, Abere Woretaw Azagew, Chalachew Adugna Wubneh, Getaneh Mulualem Belay, Nega Tezera Assimamaw, Chilot Desta Agegnehu, Telake Azale, Zelalem Nigussie Azene, Mehari Woldemariam Merid, Atalay Goshu Muluneh, Demiss Mulatu Geberu, Getahun Molla Kassa, Melaku Kindie Yenit, Sewbesew Yitayih Tilahun, Kassahun Alemu Gelaye, Animut Tagele Tamiru, Bayew Kelkay Rade, Eden Bishaw Taye, Asefa Adimasu Taddese, Zewudu Andualem, Henok Dagne, Kiros Terefe Gashaye, Gebisa Guyasa Kabito, Tesfaye Hambisa Mekonnen, Sintayehu Daba Wami, Jember Azanaw, Tsegaye Adane, Mekuriaw Alemayehu
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2020
• Subjects: Misconception; COVID-19; Gondar city; Northwest Ethiopia; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-020-00279-8; https://doaj.org/article/73df3ccee7f04f098db3cd423cb7d9ec

Abstract Background Despite the implementation of various strategies such as the declaration of COVID-19 emergency state, staying at home, lockdown, and massive protective equipment distribution, still COVID-19 is increasing alarmingly. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the community’s perception of COVID-19 and its associated factors in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 635 Gondar administrative town residents, from April 20 to April 27, 2020. Study participants were selected using a cluster sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Epi-Data version 4.6 and STATA 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Logistic regressions (bivariable and multivariable) were performed to identify statistically significant variables at p < 0.05. Results Of the 635 study participants, 623 have completed the study with a 98.1% response rate. The mean age of participants was 36.32 years (SD ± 13.24). The overall magnitude of the community’s misconception about COVID-19 stood at 56.9% (349). Age and religion showed a negative association with misconceptions. To be specific, being in the age group of 27–33 (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.32, 0.86) and being a Muslim (AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34, 0.78) were negatively associated with the misconception of COVID-19, whereas occupation and awareness showed positive associations with the misconception. To be specific, having an unemployed occupational status (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.14, 2.82) and being unaware of the number of cases of COVID-19 (AOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.05, 2.62) were positively associated with the community’s misconception on COVID-19. Conclusion The magnitude of the community’s misconception about COVID-19 among Gondar town residents was high. Age, religion, unemployment, and unawareness about the number of COVID-19 cases were significant factors of misconception about COVID-19. Thus, stakeholders ought to build community perceptions about COVID 19. ...