Abstract:
Considering its pandemicity and absence of effective treatment, authorities across the globe
have designed various mitigation strategies to combat the spread of COVID-19. Although
adherence towards preventive measures is the only means to tackle the virus, reluctance
to do so has been reported to be a major problem everywhere. Thus, this study aimed to
assess the community’s adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation strategies and its associated factors among Gondar City residents, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 635 respondents from
April 20–27, 2020. Cluster sampling technique was used to select the study participants.
Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Epi-Data
version 4.6 and STATA version 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively.
Binary logistic regressions (Bivariable and multivariable) were performed to identify statistically significant variables. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to declare statistically significant variables on the basis of p < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression
model.
Results
The overall prevalence of good adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures was
51.04% (95%CI: 47.11, 54.96). Female respondents [AOR: 2.39; 95%CI (1.66, 3.45)],
receiving adequate information about COVID-19 [AOR: 1.58; 95%CI (1.03, 2.43)], and
favorable attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures were significantly associated
with good adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Whereas, those respondents
who had high risk perception of COVID-19 were less likely to adhere towards COVID-19 mitigation measures [AOR: 0.61; 95% CI (0.41, 0.92)].
Conclusions
The findings have indicated that nearly half of the study participants had poor adherence
towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Sex, level of information exposure, attitude
towards COVID-19 preventive measures, and risk perception of COVID-19 were factors
which significantly influenced the adherence of the community towards COVID-19 mitigation
measures. Therefore, it is crucial to track adherence responses towards the COVID-19 preventive measures, scale up the community’s awareness of COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies through appropriate information outlets, mainstream media, and rely on
updating information from TV, radio, and health care workers about COVID-19.
