RISK PERCEPTION OF COVID-19 AMONG ADULTS IN JALINGO, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This community-based cross-sectional study aimed to determine the risk perception of COVID-19 among adults in Jalingo. The study involved 420 consenting adults. A self-structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.86 (Cronbach's Alpha) was used for data collection. A pilot study was conducted using 20 of the participants. The questionnaires were administered by hand and collected on the spot. The information obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and figures, while the differences between variables were tested using the Chi-square test at a 0.05 level of significance and a 95% confidence interval. The results revealed that the variables with the highest percentages of participants who strongly agreed with the statement “COVID-19 is a severe disease” were: 101 (54.5%) males, 43 (55.8%) in the 26–35 age group, 153 (60%) employed, and 10 (71.4%) secondary school leavers. For the statement “COVID-19 prevents regular association,” 89 (48.1%) males, 11 (57.9%) aged 46–55, 134 (52.5%) employed, and 111 (57.8%) participants with no formal education (NFE) strongly agreed. Regarding the statement “I may likely get COVID-19 in the course of the pandemic,” 104 (44.3%) males, 47 (62%) in the 26–35 age group, 134 (52.5%) employed, and 114 participants with no formal education strongly agreed. For the statement “There is a chance that my close relative may contract COVID-19,” 111 (60%) males, 63 (81.8%) aged 26–35, 153 (60%) employed, and 114 (59.4%) with no formal education strongly agreed. Lastly, 97 (52.4%) males, 43 (55.8%) in the 26–35 age group, 134 (52.5%) employed, and 113 (58.9%) participants with no formal education strongly agreed with the statement that “COVID-19 will affect many Nigerians.” In conclusion, gender, age, employment status, and educational level influenced the risk perception of COVID-19. It is therefore recommended that more public enlightenment is needed to enable the population to have an accurate perception of the risks associated with COVID-19.