Myths, beliefs, and perceptions about COVID-19 in Ethiopia:  A need to address information gaps and enable combating efforts

Abstract

Background The endeavor to tackle the spread of COVID-19 effectively remains futile without the right grasp of perceptions and beliefs presiding in the community. Therefore, this study aimed to assess myths, beliefs, perceptions, and information gaps about COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Methods An internet-based survey was conducted in Ethiopia from April 22 to May 04, 2020. The survey link was promoted through emails, social media, and the Jimma University website. Perceptions about COVID-19 have considered the World Health Organization (WHO) resources and local beliefs. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 20.0. Classifications and lists of factors for each thematic perception of facilitators, inhibitors, and information needs were generated. Explanatory factor analysis (EFA) was executed to assist categorizations. Standardized mean scores of the categories were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests. A significant difference was claimed at p-value <0.05. Results A total of 929 responses were gathered during the study period. The EFA generated two main categories of perceived facilitators of COVID-19 spread: behavioral non-adherence (55.9%) and lack of enablers (86.5%). Behavioral non-adherence was illustrated by fear of stigma (62.9%), not seeking care (59.3%), and hugging and shaking (44.8%). Perceived lack of enablers of precautionary measures includes staying home impossible due to economic challenges (92.4%), overcrowding (87.6%), and inaccessible face masks (81.6%) and hand sanitizers (79.1%). Perceived inhibitors were categorized into three factors: two misperceived, myths (31.6%) and false assurances (32.9%), and one correctly identified; engagement in standard precautions (17.1%). Myths about protection from the virus involve perceived religiosity and effectiveness of selected food items, hot weather, traditional medicine, and alcohol drinking, ranging from 15.1% to 54.7%. False assurances include people’s perception that they were living far away from areas where COVID-19 was rampant (36.9%), and no locally reported cases were present (29.5%). There were tremendous information needs reported about COVID-19 concerning protection methods (62.6%), illness behavior and treatment (59.5%), and quality information, including responses to key unanswered questions such as the origin of the virus (2.4%). Health workers were perceived as the most at-risk group (83.3%). The children, adolescents, youths were marked at low to moderate (45.1%-62.2%) risk of COVID-19. Regional, township, and access to communication showed significant variations in myths, false assurances, and information needs (p <0.05). Conclusions Considering young population as being at low risk of COVID-19 would be challenging to the control efforts, and needs special attention. Risk communication and community engagement efforts should consider regional and township variations of myths and false assurances. It should also need to satisfy information needs, design local initiatives that enhance community ownership of the control of the virus, and thereby support engagement in standard precautionary measures. All forms of media should be properly used and regulated to disseminate credible information while filtering out myths and falsehoods.

Factors limiting youths’ practice of preventive measures toward the outbreak of COVID-19 in Oromia special zone surrounding Finfinnee, Ethiopia

“…Because youths perceived that the disease was resisted by body’s immunity, they not practicing preventive measures. The present result was consistent with studies conducted in Italy [ 5 ], Jordan [ 12 ], and Myanmar [ 15 ] to assess the risk perception of the disease. It is evident that young people who live with their families are dependent.…”

“…Practicing preventive measures was measured by variables such as hygiene practices, physical [social] distancing, movement restrictions, and seeking self-help or support [ 13 , 15 ]. Hygiene practices include hand washing regularly with soap and water, avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with poor hands or fingers hygiene, covering the mouth and nose with a clean cloth while coughing and/or sneezing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.…”

“…In fact, these studies took into account the limited facts about adherence to the practice of preventive measures. Other related studies [15,[20][21][22][23][24] indicated that useful knowledge, positive attitude, and thinking in appropriate ways toward the disease were not sufficient to contain its transmission. In addition, the aforementioned studies concluded that having a weaker adherence to preventive measures would be challenging to control the transmission of the virus.…”

“…A study conducted in Ethiopia by Kebede et al [ 15 ] identified the young people were less likely to practice preventive measures, and in turn, such behaviors would be challenging for the containment processes of the virus in the future. Still another study conducted in Ethiopia [ 16 ] stated that the transmission rate of the disease is 4.08.…”

Early stage risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategies and measures against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic crisis

“…One study from Thailand even assessed the efficiency of such reporting mechanisms. 51 , 52 Such studies could be invaluable for preparing for future pandemic or even local outbreaks. Adaptive resilience to national and regional contextual insights and strategies can help to prevent or contain the COVID-19 pandemic, while sharing timely information and challenges with global partners can help to shape major national and local policy-level decisions.…”