Adherence with COVID-19 Preventive Measures and Associated Factors Among Residents of Shashemane, Central Ethiopia

Abstract Introduction:Covid 19 pandemic can seriously affect African nations because of the weak health care system, crowding, poor hygiene in the cities, and the random mobility of people. Hospital-based interventions are not a good choice for resource-scarce countries which have shortages of hospital beds, ventilators, and oxygen; rather practicing preventive measures at a community level is the best strategy. There is a shortage of evidence about current public adherence with COVID-19 preventive strategies in Ethiopia, therefore this study helps to target health education messages to groups of populations with poor compliance to specific prevention measures, which also contribute to decreasing the magnitude and duration of the pandemic.Methods:A Community based cross-sectional study was done on 405 participants selected by systematic random sampling in Shashemane. Data was collected using A pretested structured tool comprising socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and adherence with COVID-19 prevention practice. Participants who practiced ≥ 75% of the COVID-19 preventive practices were labeled as having “good adherence”. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the associated variables. Odds ratios along with 95%CI were estimated to identify associated factors and a level of statistical significance was decided at p -value less than 0.05.Result:The practice of COVID-19 preventive measures was 19.5%, (95% CI: 15–24.5%). Having a favorable attitude (AOR = 5, 95% CI: 3.3–8.41), having good knowledge of the disease (AOR = 3, 95% CI: 2.74– 9.3) and educational status (Diploma and above) (AOR = 5.5, 95% CI: 2– 9.39) were significantly associated factors with the practice of COVID-19 preventive measures.Conclusion:The Adherence to COVID-19 preventive practices was very low, educational status above Diploma, good knowledge, and Favorable attitude were the factors positively and independently associated with good adherence to Covid-19 prevention practices. Behavioral change communication and Strict government law and implementing it are highly required.