Knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 infection and anxiety levels of Nigerian youths regarding the COVID-19 pandemic
doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.4453
- Author:
Batholomew Chibuike James
1
;
Aroh Chinazaekpere Mary
2
;
Anyiam Felix Emeka
3
;
Sunday Stephen Ede
4
;
Kanokwan Chullapant
5
;
Nwankwo Chidimma
4
;
Uhuo Ikechuwu Michael
1
Author Information
1. Public Health Program, School of Professional Studies, Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines
2. Royal Berkshire NHS, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
3. Centre for Health and Development, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), River State, Nigeria
4. Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nsukka, Nigeria
5. Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University HatYai, Songkhla, Thailand
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
knowledge level;
anxiety level;
Nigerian youths
- MeSH:
COVID-19;
attitudes
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2023;57(5):96-105
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:Youths can function as agents of change by disseminating essential information, but they are also
considered a vulnerable group in the COVID-19 pandemic. Literature on COVID-related knowledge, attitude, and anxiety has not focused comprehensively on youths. This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and anxiety level of youths in eastern Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using an online survey among young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years in southeastern Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 software. We used descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to measure the associations. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant at a 95 percent confidence level.
Results:We included 397 participants. Majority of the study participants (88%) had a high level of knowledge about COVID-19. Around 68% showed a good attitude toward COVID-19 prevention, overall low anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic was proportionally higher at 57.43%. Knowledge and educational level were statistically significantly associated with anxiety levels related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion:The young adults had a good knowledge of the COVID-19 transmission and symptoms, positive attitude, and low anxiety levels. Those with higher educational levels had good knowledge and lower anxiety level. Public health and mental health experts can use this material to help reduce high levels of anxiety among the vulnerable population affected by the pandemic.
- Full text:4453-Article Text-108655-2-10-20230814.pdf
