Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Sep 22, 2024
Open Peer Review Period: Sep 22, 2024 - Nov 7, 2024
Date Accepted: Dec 11, 2024
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
COVID-19 Perceptions Among Communities Residing in Ground Crossings of Somali Region
ABSTRACT
Background:
COVID-19 has significantly impacted cross-border movement in Eastern and Southern Africa, with border closures and containment measures affecting the region's economy and social fabric.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess community myths, beliefs, perceptions, and information needs among Somali communities living on and near ground crossings in Tog-wajaale, Somali region, Ethiopia.
Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage sampling technique. Beliefs and perceptions of the virus's spread and control were partially adapted from WHO resources, exploring four main perception themes: perceived facilitators for the spread of the virus, perceived inhibitors, risk labeling, and socio-demographic variables. A sample size of 634 was determined using the single proportion formula, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 14.1.
Results:
The mean percentages of behavioral non-adherence and lack of an enabling environment as facilitators of virus spread were both high, at 62.5% and 92.2%, respectively. The highest perceived inhibitor to control the spread of Covid-19 was seen to be myth (79.3%), followed by preventive measures (46.6%) and false guarantees (40%).
Conclusions:
Understanding cross-border transmission dynamics, movement patterns, and the behavior of cross-border actors is crucial for developing effective, contextually appropriate risk communication and community engagement strategies to mitigate COVID-19 risk in border communities.
Citation
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Copyright
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