Community's perceived high risk of coronavirus infections during early phase of epidemics are significantly influenced by socio-demographic background, in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional -study.

• Main Authors: Gebisa Guyasa Kabito, Mekuriaw Alemayehu, Tesfaye Hambisa Mekonnen, Sintayehu Daba Wami, Jember Azanaw, Tsegaye Adane, Zelalem Nigussie Azene, Mehari Woldemariam Merid, Atalay Goshu Muluneh, Demiss Mulatu Geberu, Getahun Molla Kassa, Melaku Kindie Yenit, Sewbesew Yitayih Tilahun, Kassahun Alemu Gelaye, Habtamu Sewunet Mekonnen, Abere Woretaw Azagew, Chalachew Adugna Wubneh, Getaneh Mulualem Belay, Nega Tezera Assimamaw, Chilot Desta Agegnehu, Telake Azale, Animut Tagele Tamiru, Bayew Kelkay Rade, Eden Bishaw Taye, Asefa Adimasu Taddese, Zewudu Andualem, Henok Dagne, Kiros Terefe Gashaye
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2020-01-01
• Series: PLoS ONE
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0242654
• ISSN: 1932-6203

<h4>Background</h4>Epidemiological studies during the early phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemics reported different level of people's risk perception in different countries. There is a paucity of data on perceived high risk of COVID-19 and associated factors in Ethiopia. We sought to assess the prevalence of community's perceived high risk about COVID-19 infections and associated factors among Gondar town community.<h4>Methods</h4>A cross-sectional study was carried out from April 20 to 27, 2020 in Gondar town community, Northwest Ethiopia. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit 635 participants. Structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to summarize the results.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 623 participants were considered in the analysis with a response rate of 98.1%. The prevalence of coronavirus high risk perceptions of the respondents was found to be 23.11% (95% CI; 19.80%-26.43%). Age above 45 years (AOR = 1.41, 95%CI; 1.19-2.66), college and above educational level (AOR = 0.28, 95%CI; 0.21-0.98), and poor knowledge towards COVID-19 virus (AOR = 1.57, 95%CI; 1.09-2.23) were significantly associated with perceived high risk about COVID-19.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The prevalence of perceived high risk of COVID-19 was found to be low. Factors such as age, educational status, and knowledge about COVID-19 virus were found to be independent predictors of perceived high risk towards COVID-19. Government and non-government organizations should use formal and informal means of educating the community.