INTRODUCTION:

New infectious diseases have emerged with an increased occurrence in the past decade, posing a threat to humanity, and most of these diseases like coronavirus (COVID-19) spread quickly across national borders and communities, posing a challenge to public health systems' ability to prevent and control the spread of the disease, especially in low resource settings.¹

COVID-19 or SARS-CoV2 is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a type of corona virus that causes illness in humans and is distributed mostly through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as saliva or sinus drainage.²

Direct transmission occurs mostly during close contact, from droplets created during activities like coughing, sneezing, and talking; indirect transmission could also occur primarily during close contact, from droplets of coughing, sneezing, and talking, and this is enhanced when a person comes in contact with contaminated surfaces or objects and then touches his face, particularly the nose, mouth, and the eyes, causing the mucous membrane to become infected.³ There are three categories of silent carriers who have increased the spread of COVID 19, and this includes asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and very mildly symptomatic.⁴

COVID 19 symptoms, according to the World Health Organization [WHO], include a wide range of symptoms that are of variable degrees of severity, and the minor symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath, as well as a mild temperature, to more serious symptoms like as pneumonia and organ failure.⁵ As at 2021, the virus's death rate was 4%, with people who have co-morbidities including heart disease, lung illness, or diabetes, as well as those who are older, having a higher risk of getting more serious symptoms.⁶

Having an awareness of COVID-19 protocols and preventive measures could help to halt the spread of the disease; this strategy in combination with government-imposed restrictions are seen to be the basic tools for flattening the curve of transmission of the virus.⁷ Several practices have been recommended to prevent the virus from spreading by breaking the chain of infection and preventing the virus from infiltrating the human body, and this includes frequent hand washing, the use of face masks and physical distancing.⁵ Hand washing has long been recognized as one of the most effective strategies to prevent disease such as coronavirus; it is one of the important parts of the preventive measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.⁸ Frequent hand washing with soap and water is one of the greatest strategies to prevent the spread of COVID 19.⁹ Hand washing with soap can reduce the incidence of respiratory infections like coronavirus by 16 to 23% of the population.¹⁰

The use of facemasks are also important in protecting oneself from disease contagion, and up to 25% among those infected with COVID-19 may show no signs or symptoms with the use of facemasks.¹¹ The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention [NCDC], has consistently stated that “wearing of face masks in public areas is most effective at preventing the transmission of the new coronavirus when paired with other preventive measures such as hand hygiene and physical distancing”.¹²

Ensuring physical distancing, also helps to curb the transmission of the virus; at individual levels, “physical distancing involves the use of non-contact greetings, while at community levels, it involves shielding the medically vulnerable and closure of any events or setting in which the people gather together including schools, work places, houses of worship and cultural, social and sports events”.²

Vaccination has also played a vital role in lowering the burden of infectious diseases in recent years; and vaccines from Pfizer, BioNTech, Moderna, and Oxford AstraZeneca against coronavirus have all been helpful in curbing the spread of the disease and some of them have demonstrated 94 to 95 percent effectiveness against the original strand.¹³ The author further commented that the main aim of the vaccination is to achieve herd immunity which will reduce the rate of infections by the virus and in some cases, reduce the likelihood of severe illnesses.

COVID 19 preventative measures have been taught in schools, churches, seminars, and billboards, radio jingles, television commercials, and even flier distribution in Nigeria; all of these have been used to get information out to the public. In order to ensure compliance and increase the effectiveness of preventive measures, this study evaluates public adherence to COVID 19 prevention strategies and its impact on the health of the populace.

METHODS AND MATERIALS:

Research Design:

A descriptive survey design was adopted for this study; hence, it tends to look at the phenomenon of the impact of COVID-19 Preventive Strategies among the populace of Nabor Settlement, Gwong Village in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.

Study Setting:

The study was conducted in Nabor Settlement, Gwong Village, Located in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State; North Central Nigeria. Plateau State is located in the middle belt region of Nigeria with a land area of 29,899 square kilometers. It is located between 08 '24N and longitude 008’32’ and 010’38’ east. As the name implies, the state is characterized by mountains, bare rocks scattered across the grassland, which covers the Plateau.

Target Population:

The target population for this study consists of all members of households in Nabor Settlement ranging from 15 years and above; and an estimated population of four hundred was advocated. Sampling Technique

To determine the sample size, an update of the Slovin’s formula by Ellen¹⁴ was adopted.

N=Total Population of residents within the age range

N=400; e=0.05

n=400/1+400(0.05)2 = 400/1+400(0.0025)= =400/2

=200

Therefore, the sample size for this study was 200. The sample inclusion criteria stipulates that a respondent must be up to 15 years and above to participate in this study and must be resident in Nabor Settlement of Gwong Village.

Research Instrument:

A self-administered questionnaire instrument was used in collecting data; this covers demographic variable of the respondents, knowledge and practice of COVID 19 prevention measures, and impact of the preventive measures on the health of the populace.

Validity and Reliability of the Research Instrument:

The validity of research instruments was ensured by face and content validity and assertion of research experts in the field of infectious diseases.¹⁵ A pretest evaluation with results of 0.8 significant coefficient ensured the reliability of the research instrument; and this was carried out on a similar population subset of twenty subjects in Mazan Settlement in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Data Collection Process:

The researchers were personally involved in the collection of the data for this study and the data collection process took a period of three to four months before data collection was brought to an end.

Data Analysis:

Data collected were analyzed via the use of descriptive and inferential analytical methods. The data was first presented in Tables with frequencies and percentages on the variables under study.

Ethical Consideration:

A Permission was gotten from the Paramount Leader of Nabor Village (Chief Sani Awari) before the conduct of the study and the respondents were given a detailed explanation of the research and they gave their informed consent before participating; they were assured that participation was voluntary, and they could withdraw at any point if they so wish. To ensure anonymity and confidentiality, pseudonyms were used in a bid not to link any participant to the study.

RESULTS

A total of 200 residents participated in the study with a 75% questionnaire return rate.

Table 1: Socio-demographic characteristics

Variables	Characteristics	Frequency	%
Age	15-24	74	52%
	25-34	12	9%
	35-44	56	38%
	Above 45	10	1%
	Total	152	100
Gender	Male	60	41%
	Female	92	59%
	Total	152	100
Occupation	Civil Servants	30	20
	Traders	30	20
	Students	60	50
	Farmers	20	8
	Others (Carpenters, Artisans, Builders)	10	2
	Total	152	100
Educational Qualification	Primary	2	2
	Secondary	30	11
	Tertiary	120	87
	Total	152	100
Ethnicity	Hausa	45	35
	Igbo	40	30
	Yoruba	50	20
	Others (Birom, Afizire, Anaguta)	17	15
	Total	152	100
Religion	Christian	140	95
	Islam	12	5
	Total	152	100

Among the respondents, nearly 52% are between 15-24 years, 9% are within 25-34 years, 38% are between 35-44 years and 1% are above 45 years. Above half of the respondents, 59% were female and 41% male. On occupation; about 20% are civil servants, 20% are traders, 50% are students, 8% are farmers, while 2% had other forms of occupation such as Carpenters, Artisans and Builders. Majority (87%) among the respondents had tertiary education, 11% had secondary education and 2% had basic primary school education. On the Variable of Tribe, 35% were Hausas, 30% Igbos, 20% Yorubas and 15% of other ethnicities like Birom, Afizire, Anaguta among others. Most respondents were Christians (95%) and 5% practice Islam.

Table 2: Knowledge and practice of COVID 19 preventive measures

Variable	Category	Frequency	%
Have you heard about COVID 19	Yes	152	100
	No	0	0
	Total	152	100
Where did you get your information from	Health Worker	40	27
	Social Media	96	68
	Friends/Family	4	3
	Media	3	2
	Total	152	100
Have you heard about COVID 19 prevention measures	Yes	142	98
	No	10	2
	Total	152	100
Where did you get your information from	Social Media	60	42
	Mass Media	44	31
	HealthCare Workers	40	25
	Friends/Family	8	3
	Total	152	100
Do you practice COVID-19 prevention measures	Yes	142	93.4
	No	10	6.6
	Total	152	100
Which preventive measures do you practice	Wearing Facemasks	82	54
	Hand washing	52	33
	Physical Distancing	14	9
	Vaccination	2	1
	Does not practice any	4	3
	Total	152	100

Out of the 152 residents that participated in the study all have heard about COVID 19, with 27% from health workers, 68% from social media, 98% have heard about the prevention. In addition, information concerning prevention was 42% social media 31% mass media and 25% healthcare workers; 100% practice preventive measures with 57% wearing face masks, 36% practice hand washing, 3% practice physical distancing while 1% asserted on vaccination.

Table 3: Impact of Prevention Measures on Health of Individuals

Variable	Category	Frequency	%
Have you tested for COVID 19 infection	Yes	130	85
	No	22	15
	Total	152	100
If yes what was the result	Negative	18	62
	Positive	14	28
	Results not disclosed	2	10
	Total	152	100
What do you think is the impact of COVID-19 prevention	Decrease the number of infected people	100	70
	Reduce Hospitalization Rate	28	18
	Decrease occurrence of other respiratory diseases	16	11
	Reduce the number of deaths within the village	8	2
	Total	152	100
In your opinion do you advocate vaccination against COVID 19 for all Residents	Yes	96	65
	No	56	35
	Total	152	100
If yes, how will vaccination impact on people’s health in your settlement	It improves their immunity	70	47
	It increases their resistance to contacting the disease	30	23
	Prevents Community Transmission	46	28
	Decreases Morbidity	6	2
	Total	152	100

About 85% of respondents have tested for COVID 19 infection and 15% have not had the test done. Sixty-two percent had a negative result, 28% tested positive while 10% had results withheld. More than half (70%) believe that preventive measures decrease the number of infected persons, while 28% agree that it reduces the rate of hospitalization. Sixty-five percent advocated for vaccination for all residents while 35% disagreed on this concept. Out of those that advocated for vaccination; 47% agreed that it improves immunity, 23% said it increases resistance to contracting the disease and 28% affirmed it prevents community transmission.

Table 4: Test of Hypothesis - There is no significant association between compliance to COVID 19 preventive measures and the impact on the health of individuals in Nabor Settlement.

Variable	Questions	Yes	No	Total
Practice of COVID 19 Prevention measures	Do you practice COVID 19 prevention measures	142	0	142
Impact on Health	If yes-What was the result?	18	14	32
	Total	160	14	174

Chi Square (X²) = 66.8 Degree of Freedom (DF) = 1, Critical value = 3.841, level of significance = 0.05

Interpretation.

The Chi-square value of 66.8 is greater than the critical value of 3.841 at 0.05 significant level and Degree of Freedom 1.

Since p>0.05, the null hypothesis which states that There is no significant association between compliance to COVID 19 preventive measures and the impact on the health of individuals in Nabor Community is hereby rejected.

DISCUSSION:

This study was designed to assess the impact of COVID-19 prevention on the health of residents of Nabor Settlement in Gwong Village in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. On demographic characteristics, the majority among the respondents had attained tertiary level of education, and the majority fell between the age ranges of 15 to 25 years.

A greater percentage among the respondents (98%) reported a good knowledge of COVID-19 prevention measures as they have heard about it and almost the entire population practice the art prevention. This study finding is consistent with the research carried out by U-Learn COVID-19 Risk Communication and Community Engagement [RCCE] in Uganda where 99% among the respondents had a good knowledge of the prevention measures of COVID-19; In their findings, information was majorly disseminated via radio, mobile loudspeakers or word of mouth while in the current study, the bulk of information on the virus and its prevention was via social media (68%).¹⁶ These variations can be attributed to the fact that the bulk of the respondents were between the range of 15 to 24 years and have a better access to social media. The finding of this study is further consistent with the study on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19 outbreak where 43.8% among the participants had an accurate knowledge of prevention measures.¹⁷ This can be attributed to the fact that both research were carried during COVID-19 Campaigns at the height of the pandemic.

The study finding also indicates that the entire participants projected a higher compliance rate to prevention measures with a greater percentage practicing wearing of face masks (57%) and hand washing (36%). This is consistent with the results obtained from a research carried out on health workers, where compliance rate was as high as 83.7%.¹⁸ This similarity may be due to the exposure of respondents to the knowledge of COVID-19 awareness campaigns in both settings; hence, health workers were so knowledgeable about COVID-19 compliance protocol. Wearing of face masks and frequent hand washing could considerably reduce the rate of contracting respiratory infectious diseases such as coronavirus by limiting the spread of the virus.^{19, 8}

On the impact of COVID-19 Prevention measures on the health of the populace; the study projected that about 85% had tested for the disease and that the compliance to prevention measures would impact positively on decreasing the number of infections among the residents (70%) and reducing hospitalization rates (28%). This study corroborates the study on effects of COVID-19 prevention procedures on other common infections which showed a greater percentage among the respondents (65%) of their study, agreeing that there was a massive decline in the number of respiratory disease conditions with the practice of COVID-19 Prevention measures.²⁰ The finding of the current study also aligns with the study on the impact of COVID-19 prevention measures on the health of the population of their study which had a positive impact on the residents.⁸

Further to this, the study found that 65% among the respondents advocated for vaccination which might impact positively on the health of the residents; to this, about 47% indicated that it will improve their immunity thereby, enhancing resistance to the contagion of the disease. Taking vaccination against COVID-19 positively impacts on the health of the populace by beefing up the immunity of the people and reducing the rate of infection.²¹

The hypothesis testing projects a significant association between COVID-19 prevention measures and an impact on the health of the residents thereby, refuting the null hypothesis which states that – there is no significant association between compliance to COVID-19 prevention measures and impact on the health of the individuals with P>0.05; Chi squared result of 66.8 greater than the critical value of 3.841. This study is consistent with the study on compliance to COVID-19 among a population subset which had a significant relationship between compliance to COVID-19 prevention measures and a positive impact on the health of the population of the study.⁸

Limitations of the study:

This study was carried out in a smaller Settlement (Nabor) in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State; so this is a limitation as per generalization of the study findings. The recurrent crisis in the location of study was a hindrance to access to a larger population subset; this is also a limitation.

CONCLUSION:

The finding of this study showed that COVID 19 prevention measures has a positive impact on the health of individuals in Nabor Settlement; hence the null hypothesis which states that, there is no significant association between COVID-19 prevention measures and the impact on health of the individuals was refuted. Efforts to scale up health education and sensitization campaigns should be beefed up in a bid to maintain these positive results, as the residents are ready to practice more of the prevention measures with adequate information.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations were put forward:

1. There should be an increased enlightenment concerning the COVID 19 vaccine as it was noticed that people practiced more of the non-pharmaceutical measures like hand washing, wearing facemasks and also adherence to physical distancing.

2. There is a need to regulate and monitor the information disseminated by media houses and also on social media; hence these are the two main sources of information.

3. The residents of the Nabor Settlement should endeavor to disseminate information among themselves on the importance of Vaccination for the prevention of the disease

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Received on 14.10.2023 Modified on 09.11.2023

Asian J. Nursing Education and Research. 2024; 14(1):51-56.

DOI: 10.52711/2349-2996.2024.00010