Pages: (66-87 )
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus pandemic, also known as COVID-19, has affected people all over the world and is still a public health concern worldwide. Vaccines have been shown to be one of the most effective strategies for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Artisans has been poorly understudied in terms of their knowledge and perception of COVID-19. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge and perception of COVID-19 among artisans in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional study design. A sample size of 341 was used. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. A validated 43-item questionnaire with Cronbach alpha coefficient for all the construct of 0.84 was used for data collection. Respondents level of Knowledge of COVID-19 was measured on an 11-points rating scale, which was divided into low (0-5), and high (>5). Respondents’ perception was measured on a 40-points rating scale, and was divided into low (0-20), and high (>20). Respondents COVID-19 uptake was measured on a 4- points rating scale, and was divided into low (0-2), and high (>2). Data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23 to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. All statistical tests were conducted at p< 0.05 level of significant. Results: The result of the analysis showed that the respondents were between the ages of 18-80 years. The mean age and standard deviation of the respondents were 33.88±12.86. More than half 172(50.4%) of the respondents were males. All of the respondents (100%) reported to have heard of COVID-19. Respondents’ knowledge mean score and standard deviation were 6.15±1.80. Majority of the respondents (63.9%) had high level of knowledge of COVID-19.The mean perception score and standard deviation were 20.63±5.94. More than half (51.9%) of the respondents had high perception towards COVID-19 Vaccine.Respondents COVID-19 uptake mean score and standard deviation were 1.05±1.41. Most of the respondents (78.0%) had low uptake of COVID-19 Vaccine. Age was found to be a predictor of Uptake (OR 1.33, P= 0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, the study revealed that respondents had high level of knowledge, high perception but low uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. It is therefore recommended that enhanced sensitization and health education sessions for all artisan and community members about COVID-19 in Ife central local government to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
Keywords: Artisan, COVID-19, Ife Central LGA, Knowledge, Perception, Vaccine uptake,