Rapid Study on Knowledge, Attitude, Perception and Social Economic Impacts Related to COVID-19 Outbreak in Kenya

Abstract

1. Introduction Corona viruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) (WHO, 2020b). In December 2019, a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown aetiology was reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China and on 9 January 2020, China CDC reported a novel corona virus (COVID-19) as the causative agent of this outbreak (WHO, 2020a). This disease has since spread globally resulting to 2019-2020 corona virus pandemic which was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. The Kenyan Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with other in-country partners launched the COVID-19 Taskforce to implement initial prevention and mitigation measures. Following first case detection of COVID-19 in Kenya on 13 th March 2020, unprecedented measures were adopted to control the rapid spread of the ongoing COVID-19 in Kenya. This measure includes; closure of all schools and learning institutions, closure of all international airports and banning of incoming flights, placing incoming passengers on a mandatory 14-day quarantine, burning of mass gatherings including in places of worship and promoting intensified hygiene and hand washing practices. To provide for the required physical distance, a work-from-home order for citizens and a partial curfew was instituted except for those delivering essential services, additionally, movement cessation in and out of the hot spot regions was also enforced. Human being is otherwise irrational and people's adherence to control measures is affected by their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards COVID-19. Given the deficit of knowledge on the influence of behaviour on prevention and control efforts in Sub Saharan Africa and specifically in Kenya, an online survey was rolled out to collect data on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among people living in Kenya. This survey was intended to answer the following questions:  What are the current knowledge levels and attitudes related to COVID-19 outbreak in Kenya?  Is there knowledge, attitude and behaviour gaps amongst gender?  What is the information needs of Kenyans and the preferred mode of communication and awareness creation?  What are the main worries of Kenyans concerning COVID-19 outbreak?  What are the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 experienced by Kenyans? The findings of the study will be used on an ongoing basis to inform response plans, offer important insights to fight the corona virus and also provide a basis for learning and sharing. This will inform the development and planning of behaviour change campaigns, COVID-19 tracking, and other interventions as needed throughout the pandemic.