An assessment of socio-cultural challenges of social distancing as a means of COVID-19 control in Lagos state, Nigeria
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Date
2024-05-17
Authors
Charles-Eromosele, T.O
Maduafokwa, B.A
Kanma-Okafor, O.J,
Oluwole, E.O.
Oridota, E.S
Giwa, O.O
Ibenye-Ugbala, C.J.
Abdulkareem, A.T
Pitan, A.A
Matti, O.A
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Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health
Abstract
Background: There are attendant socio-cultural challenges of social distancing in controlling COVID-19 in developing countries which must be overcome. The objectives of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice on social distancing, to determine the socio-cultural challenges and assess the coping mechanisms to the socio-cultural challenges of social distancing as a means of COVID-19 control in Lagos state, Nigeria.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that assessed the socio-cultural challenges of social distancing as a means of COVID-19 control in Lagos state, Nigeria. The study population included adults ≥18 years that have resided in Lagos state for more than six months. Respondents were recruited through the internet, using the social media platforms. A total of 500 responses were analysed. Quantitative analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 22.
Results: Overall, about 98.2% of the participants had adequate knowledge of social distancing as a means of COVID-19 control, 51% of the participants had positive attitude towards social distancing as a means of COVID-19 control, and about 98.2% of the participants practised social distancing. About a quarter (27.2%) saw social distancing as a violation of human right and 97% agreed that it affected education in schools. Internet-based communication, teleworking, financial compensation, support groups, health education and special attention to the vulnerable were indicated coping strategies.
Conclusions: The findings showed significant socio-cultural challenges in implementing COVID-19 mitigating measures such as social distancing and recommended mass health education plus a good socio-economic support system will help promote the adoption of preventative guidelines.
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International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health Charles-Eromosele TO et al. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2024 Jul;11(7):2577-2586 http://www.ijcmph.com