Epidemiological survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices: a preventive intervention strategy against COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria

Background: This study assessed how intervention strategy influenced the attitudes of the Nigerian public and their practices to cause a behavioural change at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. An epidemiological survey designed as a cross-sectional descriptive study, was conducted at the height of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Nigerians as a preventive intervention strategy against the novel Coronavirus. A self-structured questionnaire was designed specifically for this study. The study objectives were assessed on a three point scale of “maybe, no and yes.” Method: Online questionnaires were randomly administered to the general Nigerian public. The online survey used Google form and the study was limited to Nigerian residents with access to internet. The questionnaire was sectioned into two parts. The first part captured social demographics and the second part included five items each assessing public KAP towards the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Three hundred and forty-seven (347) persons responded to the questionnaires. All respondents (100%) demonstrated adequate knowledge of COVID-19. Reports on attitude towards COVID-19 showed that 287 (82.7%) of the respondents were critical about COVID-19 information while 323 (93.0%) adhered to guidelines about COVID-19 indicating good practice. Conclusions: This study reveals a good knowledge of COVID-19, right attitudes and appropriate safe practices towards COVID-19 in Nigeria, consequently, good adherence and compliance to the guidelines. However, the few respondents with poor understanding and attitudes presents a cause for concern.