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PLoS One
. 2020 Nov 19;15(11):e0242654.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242654. eCollection 2020.
Community's perceived high risk of coronavirus infections during early phase of epidemics are significantly influenced by socio-demographic background, in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional -study
Gebisa Guyasa Kabito 1 , Mekuriaw Alemayehu 1 , Tesfaye Hambisa Mekonnen 1 , Sintayehu Daba Wami 1 , Jember Azanaw 1 , Tsegaye Adane 1 , Zelalem Nigussie Azene 2 , Mehari Woldemariam Merid 3 , Atalay Goshu Muluneh 3 , Demiss Mulatu Geberu 4 , Getahun Molla Kassa 3 , Melaku Kindie Yenit 3 , Sewbesew Yitayih Tilahun 5 , Kassahun Alemu Gelaye 3 , Habtamu Sewunet Mekonnen 6 , Abere Woretaw Azagew 6 , Chalachew Adugna Wubneh 7 , Getaneh Mulualem Belay 7 , Nega Tezera Assimamaw 7 , Chilot Desta Agegnehu 8 , Telake Azale 9 , Animut Tagele Tamiru 10 , Bayew Kelkay Rade 10 , Eden Bishaw Taye 11 , Asefa Adimasu Taddese 3 , Zewudu Andualem 1 , Henok Dagne 1 , Kiros Terefe Gashaye 12
Affiliations
- PMID: 33211748
- DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242654
Abstract
Background: Epidemiological studies during the early phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemics reported different level of people's risk perception in different countries. There is a paucity of data on perceived high risk of COVID-19 and associated factors in Ethiopia. We sought to assess the prevalence of community's perceived high risk about COVID-19 infections and associated factors among Gondar town community.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from April 20 to 27, 2020 in Gondar town community, Northwest Ethiopia. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit 635 participants. Structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to summarize the results.
Results: A total of 623 participants were considered in the analysis with a response rate of 98.1%. The prevalence of coronavirus high risk perceptions of the respondents was found to be 23.11% (95% CI; 19.80%-26.43%). Age above 45 years (AOR = 1.41, 95%CI; 1.19-2.66), college and above educational level (AOR = 0.28, 95%CI; 0.21-0.98), and poor knowledge towards COVID-19 virus (AOR = 1.57, 95%CI; 1.09-2.23) were significantly associated with perceived high risk about COVID-19.
Conclusions: The prevalence of perceived high risk of COVID-19 was found to be low. Factors such as age, educational status, and knowledge about COVID-19 virus were found to be independent predictors of perceived high risk towards COVID-19. Government and non-government organizations should use formal and informal means of educating the community.