Factors Associated with Utilization of COVID-19 Preventive Measures by Patients Attending Private Healthcare Facilities in Southwest Nigeria

H. N. Okunbor, T. O. Oluwole, Dairo M.D., L. O. Okunbor and Akinsolu F.
Additional contact information
H. N. Okunbor: Department of Medical Microbiology, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
T. O. Oluwole: Department of Medical Microbiology, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Clinical Sciences, Babcock University, Nigeria
Dairo M.D.: Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan., Nigeria
L. O. Okunbor: Department of Family Medicine, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Akinsolu F.: Department of Public Health, Lead City University, Ibadan., Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024, vol. 8, issue 3, 192-201

Abstract: Background: Understanding disease risk is important for prevention. Identifying high-risk COVID-19 patients helps healthcare professionals implement precautions. This study examined factors related to COVID-19 prevention in patients at private healthcare facilities in Southwest Nigeria, during the early stages of the pandemic. Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in two hospitals using multi-stage sampling. 400 respondents were selected two out of 78 private healthcare facilities in in Southwest Nigeria. Trained interviewers administered a questionnaire to collect information on risk profile, symptoms, perception of COVID-19 risk, and preventive practices. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression at a significance level of 0.05. Results:The average age of participants was 27.83 + 10.46 years. 52.8% of respondents were female. 70.5% were single, 75.8% belonged to the Yoruba ethnic group, and 72% identified as Christians. None had a history of international travel or contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days, but 12.75% had been in contact with suspected cases. 47% reported having a fever. The majority had a low risk score for COVID-19. Most did not smoke (98.5%), consume alcohol (83.75%), or visit club houses (85.75%). Only 9.5% underwent COVID-19 testing, and 16.0% of those tested were positive. The main reason for test refusal was a lack of perception of susceptibility to COVID-19. Adherence to preventive practices was poor in all investigated circumstances. Conclusion: Patients presenting in hospitals during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic had a low risk of COVID-19. However, their poor compliance with preventive protocols and low testing uptake make them a potential source of transmission. Strategies to promote adoption of preventive measures are needed, especially among patients at private healthcare facilities.

Date: 2024
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