ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on both the economy and health sectors worldwide, including Nigeria. Although vaccines are now available, there is, however, no definitive cure for this disease. Thus, public behaviour and adherence to preventive measures are crucial in combating the outbreak. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices, as well as identified the factors associated with preventive practices of COVID-19 among heads of households in Uselu Community, Benin City, Edo State. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was carried out among 550 heads of households in Uselu, Benin city, Nigeria. The respondents were selected using multi-staged sampling mthod. Data were collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies on knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices of COVID-19. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. RESULT: The mean age of the respondents was 36.6±11.9 years. There were 282 (51.3%) males, 328 (59.6%) had attained secondary education, and 498 (90.5%) were at skill level 2. Overall, 453 (83.1%), 462 (84.0%), and 510 (92.7%) of the respondents had good knowledge, a positive attitude, and good preventive practices, respectively, regarding COVID-19. The most common preventive practices used by the respondents included the use of facemasks, 255 (46.4%), washing hands with soap and water, 252 (45.8%), and using sanitizers, 248 (45.1%). Having good knowledge (p < 0.001) and a positive attitude (p < 0.001) were found to have significant associations, while age (O.R = 1.009), marital status (O.R = 1.400), household income (O.R = 5.283, 1.346), and socioeconomic status (O.R = 1.445) were predictors of good preventive practices. CONCLUSION: Overall, most respondents had good knowledge, positive attitude and good preventive practices towards COVID-19. Predictors of good preventive practices of COVID19 were age, marital status, household income, socio-economic status and attendance to an awareness program. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Preventive practices,.COVID-19, Heads of Households, Benin City, Nigeria.
