Perceived risk, anxiety and protective health behaviours during the early phase of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Nigeria

Abstract Background: Pandemics such as the current COVID-19 pandemic are often associated with heightened fears and significant adjustments in health behaviours. Aim: This study was aimed to assess perceived risk, anxiety and protective health behaviours of the general public during the early phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in NigeriaMethods: A cross-sectional study among 1197 respondents aged 18 years and above between April 27th to May 16th, 2020. Result: More than half (61.9%) of the respondents have high risk perception towards COVID-19. Using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, high anxiety level was found in 37.2% of the study respondents. Male gender (OR=1.38,CI=1.09-1.74), being employed (OR=1.53,CI = 1.21- 1.95) and high risk perception (OR=1.33, CI = 1.05-1.69) were positively associated with observance of more than one protective measure against COVID-19. Having not more than 12 years of education (OR=0.51, CI=0.32-0.81) was negatively associated with observance of more than one protective behaviour. High risk perception (OR=1.82; CI=1.42-2.34), having not more than 12 years of education (OR=1.73; CI= 1.13-2.64), and being employed (OR =1.29; CI=1.01-1.64) were positively associated with anxiety. Being aged 25-34 years (OR=0.34; CI =0.12-0.94) and being aged 35-54 years (OR=0.30; CI=0.10-0.85) were found to be protective against developing COVID-19- related anxiety.Conclusions: This study showed that risk perception has influence on both anxiety and observance of protective behaviours. Being a novel experience, this research has implications to support current and future response to a pandemic experience.