Knowledge, Adherence to Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions, And Impact Of COVID-19 Lockdown Among Traders in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

The COVID-19 is a major public health problem in Nigeria. Not enough is known about knowledge, adherence to Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPI), and impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures among traders in the informal sector in
Nigeria. To address these gaps in knowledge, 383 traders in Alesinloye market in Ibadan metropolis were interviewed using a
questionnaire. In-depth interviews were also conducted with 10 leaders of trader associations. There are slightly more females
(51.2%) than male (48.8%) participants. The mean age was 42.9 years. The mean COVID-19 knowledge score is 9.4 out of 10.
More females (9.5) than males (9.4) have higher mean knowledge score (p=0.02). Frequent hand washing with soap and water
is the most frequently reported NPI adhered to (72.1%); the respective percentages that practiced physical distancing and wearing
face mask are 44% and 33.3%. More females than males significantly practiced NPI (p=0.01). The main impact of lockdown
measures include reduction in income (97.4%) and inability to restock items (79.1%). Most respondents (63.4%) reported that a
member of their household skipped a meal due to lack of money to get food. Qualitative data reveal that a perception that COVID19 was no longer a public health problem was responsible to the less-than-optimal adherence to NPI. The study participants are
well informed about COVID-19, but many did not practice what they know. Female respondents had better knowledge and
adherence to NPI. A gendered approach is recommended to motivate men for better adherence.