Knowledge, risk-perception, and uptake of COVID-19 prevention measures in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review
African Health Sciences
; 22(3): 542-560, 2022-10-26. Figures, Tables
Article
in En
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1401816
Responsible library:
CG1.1
ABSTRACT
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has almost affected the entire globe and is currently in a resurgent phase within the sub-Saharan African region.Objective:
This paper presents results from a scoping review of literature on knowledge, risk-perception, conspiracy theories and uptake of COVID-19 prevention measures in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods:
We used the following search terms 'COVID-19', 'knowledge', 'perceptions', 'perspectives', 'misconceptions', 'conspiracy theories', 'practices' and 'sub-Saharan Africa'. Basing on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, we identified 466 articles for review; 36 articles met the inclusion criteria. We extracted data on knowledge, risk perception, conspiracy theories and uptake of COVID-19 primary prevention measures.Results:
Knowledge of COVID-19 was high (91.3-100%) and associated with age and education; risk-perception was equally high (73.3-86.9%) but varied across studies. Uptake of handwashing with water and soap or hand-sanitizing ranged between 63-96.4%, but wearing of face masks and social distancing fared poorly (face masks 2.7%-37%; social distancing 19-43%).Conclusion:
While knowledge of COVID-19 is nearly universal, uptake of COVID-19 prevention measures remains sub-optimal to defeat the pandemic. These findings suggest a need for continued health promotion to increase uptake of the recommended COVID-19 prevention measures in sub-Saharan AfricaKey words
Full text:
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Index:
AIM
Main subject:
Perception
/
Health Status Indicators
/
Knowledge
/
Disease Prevention
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Etiology_studies
/
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
/
Systematic_reviews
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
En
Journal:
African Health Sciences
Year:
2022
Type:
Article