COVID-19 knowledge, risk perception and precautionary behaviour among Nigerians: A moderated mediation approach

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals who have knowledge of an infectious disease and also perceive the risks associated with such infectious disease tend to engage more in precautionary behaviour; however, little is known about this association as it relates to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). There is possibility of moderated mediation effect in the association between these variables. Objectives: To examine whether risk perception determines the association between COVID-19 knowledge and precautionary behaviour among Nigerians, taking into consideration the gender differentials that may exist in the process. Design: A web-based cross-sectional study. Setting: Participants were recruited via social media platform, WhatsApp using google form from March 28 to April 4, 2020. Participants: 1500-Nigerian (mean age =27.43, SD=9.75 with 42.7% females and 57.3% males) were recruited from 180 cities in Nigeria using snowball sampling technique. They responded to an online survey form comprising demographic questions and adapted versions of the Ebola knowledge scale, SARS risk perception scale and a precautionary behavior scale. Result: Moderated mediation analysis showed that risk perception mediated the association between COVID-19 knowledge and precautionary behavior and this indirect effect was moderated by gender. Having correct knowledge of COVID-19 was linked to higher involvement in precautionary behavior through risk perception for females but not for males. COVID-19 awareness campaigns may target raising more awareness of the risks associated with the infection in order to make individuals engage more in precautionary behaviors. Conclusion: Awareness campaigns and psychological intervention strategies may be particularly important at the moment, for males more than females.

Perception and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban community in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

“…Similarly, the likelihood of positive practices concerning COVID-19 was associated with a positive perception of the risk of infection (Zhong et al, 2020). Findings from previous studies conducted in Nigeria also corroborate the key role of positive risk perception on imbibing COVID-19 protective practices and attitudes (Iorfa et al, 2020). The finding from the present study however contradicts the assumption of the Health Belief Model (HBM) that protective actions are more likely to succeed a high level of perceived susceptibility (Tarkang & Zotor, 2015).…”

“…We found that the use of face masks and practice of social distancing measures were more frequently embraced among respondents compared to other COVID-19 mitigation measures, although full adherence was low. A web-based study conducted in Nigeria mostly stated mouth-covering while sneezing, wearing of face masks and avoidance of crowded spaces as self-reported practices among respondents (Iorfa et al, 2020). Our findings revealed that myriads of perceptions were associated with COVID-19.…”

“…Literatures have reported the existence of knowledge relating to COVID-19 among Nigerians, and it is expected that this would influence precautionary behavior among them. However, inherent wrong perceptions may contribute to COVID-19 risk aversion measures (Iorfa et al, 2020). Perceptions of COVID-19 has been influenced by age and gender.…”

“…Perceptions of COVID-19 has been influenced by age and gender. Due to their increased vulnerability to illnesses, older persons have been predicted to increasingly adopt COVID-19 precautionary behavior compared to other population groups (Iorfa et al, 2020). Females have been identified as models in the adoption of precautionary health behavior.…”

“…Females have been identified as models in the adoption of precautionary health behavior. In the COVID-19 context, the practice of handwashing, hygiene, and use of face masks occur more frequently among females than males (Iorfa et al, 2020). Such an occurrence could be due to the perceived susceptibility to illnesses among females as well as their health-conscious nature.…”