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Compliance to handwashing during the early phase of COVID-19 epidemic in Uganda: A nationwide cross-sectional survey
Abstract
Introduction: Handwashing is a low-cost, high-impact strategy for limiting the transmission of COVID-19. We assessed the level of compliance to handwashing and associated factors, among Ugandan residents, in the first two months of the outbreak in Uganda, to inform prevention measures.
Methods: We used data from the International Citizen Project, a cross-sectional nationwide online survey conducted between April 16th and April 30th 2020 using a self-administered questionnaire, to extract data on socio-demographics, and adherence to personal preventive measures. Handwashing compliance was defined as washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, after touching surfaces, or having been in a public place. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with non-compliance to handwashing.
Results: In total 1,726 participants responded with a mean age (SD) of 36 (±11) years; 59% were male. Of the 1,726 participants,1,662 (96%) complied to handwashing. Individuals who stayed in huts/shacks or who were homeless (aOR=6.1; 95%CI: 2.0–18), and those who had not heard about COVID-19 (aOR=13; 95%CI: 2.4–72) were more likely to be non-compliant. Individuals with a high level of satisfaction with handwashing as an appropriate COVID-19 preventive measure were less likely to be non-compliant (aOR=0.26; 95%CI: 0.15–0.45).
Conclusion: Compliance to handwashing was very high in the first two months of the COVID-19 epidemic in Uganda. We recommend continued risk communication, public education, and availing handwashing facilities, especially targeting individuals with poor housing to sustain the high compliance to handwashing so as to improve epidemic control.
