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.
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