Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

Knowledge, attitude, compliance and implications for rural and urban dwellers in rivers state

Abstract

The study investigated the response of urban and rural dwellers to COVID-19 outbreak in Rivers State and the Implication. To achieve the purpose of the study three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted the comparative survey design. The sample involved 1982 participants drawn through a multi-stage sampling technique from rural, urban, riverine and upland communities. On the whole, twelve ethnic groups from the three senatorial districts of the state were studied. The instrument used for data collection was the knowledge, attitude and compliance issues towards COVID-19 questionnaire (KACITC-19Q). Its face and content validity were ascertained by medical and test experts while its reliability was determined through the internal consistency method with the Cronbach Alpha statistics which yielded an alpha of 0.68. The direct delivery method was used to administer the instrument in various communities. Data obtained was analysed with mean scores and bar charts. Results revealed a significant mean difference between rural and urban dwellers with regards to knowledge, attitude and compliance issues to COVID-19. It was recommended amongst others that, Government should collaborate with professional counselling bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and well-meaning individuals to intensify awareness in the rural areas to increase knowledge, positive attitude and compliance to COVID-19 prevention protocols.