Open AccessCOVID-19 risk perception among residents of seven sub-Saharan African countries: socio-demographic correlates and predicted probabilities
Author(s) -
Ejemai Eboreime,
Ihoghosa Iyamu,
Barinaadaa Afirima,
Emeka Okechukwu,
Gabriel Isaac Kibombwe,
Tolulope Oladele,
Taurayi A. Tafuma,
Okikiolu Badejo,
Everline Ashiono,
Mulamuli Mpofu,
Edward Adekola Oladele
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the pan african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.287
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 1937-8688
DOI - 10.11604/pamj.2021.39.227.28193
Subject(s) - medicine , risk perception , demography , pandemic , logistic regression , population , odds , tanzania , ordered logit , environmental health , perception , socioeconomics , covid-19 , psychology , disease , pathology , neuroscience , sociology , machine learning , computer science , infectious disease (medical specialty)
as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, sub-Saharan Africa remains at high risk given the poor adherence to pandemic control protocols. Misconceptions about the contagion may have given rise to adverse risk behaviours across population groups. This study evaluates risk perception among 2,244 residents of seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) in relation to socio-demographic determinants. Methods an online survey was conducted via social media platforms to a random sample of participants. Risk perception was evaluated across six domains: loss of income, food scarcity, having a relative infected, civil disorder, criminal attacks, or losing a friend or relative to COVID-19. A multivariable ordinal logistic regression was conducted to assess socio-demographic factors associated with the perceived risk of being affected by COVID-19. Results 595 (27%) respondents did not consider themselves to be at risk, while 33% perceived themselves to be at high risk of being affected by the pandemic with respect to the six domains evaluated. Hospital-based workers had the highest proportional odds (3.5; 95%CI: 2.3-5.6) high perceived risk. Teenage respondents had the highest predictive probability (54.6%; 95% CI: 36.6-72.7%) of perceiving themselves not to be at risk of being affected by COVID-19, while Zambia residents had the highest predictive probability (40.7%; 95% CI: 34.3-47.0%) for high-risk perception. Conclusion this study reveals the need to increase awareness of risks among socio-demographic groups such as younger people and the unemployed. Targeted risk communication strategies will create better risk consciousness, as well as adherence to safety measures.