Non-adherence To Safety Protocols Major Setback In Covid-19 Fight – Research

A research conducted by the College Of Health And Wellbeing, Kintampo in the Bono East region, has shown that even though there is an extremely high level of awareness about COVID-19, most people do not adhere to the various preventive protocols.

The study revealed that 98.1% of the study participants were aware of COVID-19 with 94% of the figure failing to adhere to the various WHO and Ministry of Health recommended preventive protocols.

The research revealed that only 24.2% of the study participants used nose-masks while 92% did not observe good cough etiquette (cough without using tissue or do not cough into their elbow).

“Seventy percent (70%) did not ensure social distancing. More than half (53%) of the people said they will visit the health facility rather than calling the COVID-19 hotlines for medical attention.”

It is however relieving that irrespective of the above findings, 82% of the people studied adhered to the appropriate greetings protocols – they either wave, elbow or verbally greeted their folks.

Research objectives

Among others, the Kintampo College of Health and Well-being undertook the research as part of its contributions toward containment of the pandemic in the Kintampo Municipality.

It was primarily meant to assess the knowledge level of residents of Kintampo North on COVID-19, assess attitudes of the residents of Kintampo North Municipal about the pandemic and also delve into practices in the area towards COVID-19 prevention.

The research was based on a cross-sectional study population involving adults of 18 years and above in Kintampo North Municipality Sample Size covering all the seven Sub-districts were used for the study.

In all, 21 communities were studied with a sampling size of 320; simple random sampling for community, household and participant selection in household and systematic sampling technique for house selection.

The study further established that 28.3% of the participants did not have any knowledge about the signs or symptoms of COVID-19.

Improvised treatment of covid-19

Seventy-one percent (71%) of the respondents believed that drinking lemon/ginger and garlic will treat them if infected with COVID-19 while 20% believed that drinking alcohol may reduce their risk of getting infected with COVID-19.

It came to light that though 82.2% of the participants indicated they wash their hands under running water, almost all (81.9%) did not follow the correct hand washing procedure

Statistical significant association was found between practicing hand washing under running water and education, marital status and religion.

Recommendations

In view of its finding, the College is recommending to the Kintampo Municipal Health Directorate through the Municipal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Committee and NCCE to intensify education of the public on the need to wear nose masks, ensure social distancing, observe good cough etiquette and follow the recommended hand washing steps.

This would go a long way “to interrupt the transmission of COVID-19 at homes, workplaces and in the community.”

The College further appealed to the Municipal Health Directorate to regularly update the public on the signs and symptoms of the disease to increase the knowledge of the population to improve case detection, reduce complications and possible death due to late reporting.

“The Municipal Health Directorate and NCCE should educate the public to avoid home remedies and consumption of alcohol as COVID-19 preventive measure that are circulating through the media, friends and relatives.”

About the College

Established in 1969, the College of Health and Wellbeing at Kintampo is the largest health training institution in Ghana and currently runs 14 programmes, including BSc in Physician Assistant and BSc in Community Mental Health.

The College constantly liaises up with stakeholders to work hand-in-hand towards a common goal of promoting health and development and also contributes to knowledge through research works.