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ABSTRACT
Objective.  A continuous analysis of knowledge, attitude towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and implementation of protective measures is imperative as the pandemic progresses. We aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice of COVID-19 and associated preventive measures one year after the onset of the pandemic, specifically patients received at ear-nose-throat (ENT) outpatient departments that receive the bulk of patients presenting with upper respiratory symptoms in Cameroon. Population and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional hospital-based survey in three health institutions in Cameroon. A consecutive sampling was done, for two months, recruiting all eligible ENT outpatient attendees aged 21 years and above. Results. We enrolled a total of 203 participants. Ninety-eight percent of participants (199) had heard of COVID-19. Definitions given included “viral disease” (104; 51.2%), “pandemic” (24; 11.8%), “airborne disease” (23; 11.3%), “respiratory infectious disease” (11; 5.4%). Cough (93.6%), breathing difficulties (75.4%) and fever (74.4%) were the most listed symptoms. All participants claimed to use at least one preventive measure. Face masks were used at all times only by 11.8%. Among patients who had presented symptoms, most practiced auto medication (28; 93.3%) comprising antibiotics and herbal mixtures. Comparing knowledge of preventive measures with practice, regular hand washing (p=0.004) and avoidance of close contact (p<0.001) showed significant differences. Conclusion. Knowledge on COVID-19 has greatly improved. Use of protective means is suboptimal and could be improved by continuous communication, supply of tools for the public and sanctions for inadequate implementation. The domain of traditional medicine in our setting needs better organisation.
RÉSUMÉ
Objectif. Évaluer les connaissances, attitudes et pratiques de la COVID-19 et des mesures préventives associées un an après le début de la pandémie, chez les patients reçus dans les services ambulatoires d'oto-rhino-laryngologie (ORL) qui des patients présentant des symptômes des voies respiratoires supérieures au Cameroun. Population et Méthodes. Nous avons mené une enquête transversale en milieu hospitalier dans trois institutions de santé au Cameroun. Un échantillonnage consécutif a été effectué, pendant deux mois, en recrutant tous les patients éligibles des services externes d'ORL âgés de 21 ans et plus. Résultats. Nous avons recruté un total de 203 participants, dont 99% (199 participants) avaient entendu parler de la COVID-19. Les définitions données comprenaient "maladie virale" (104; 51, 2%), "pandémie" (24; 11, 8%), "maladie aéroportée" (23; 11, 3%), "maladie infectieuse respiratoire" (11; 5, 4%). La toux (93, 6%), les difficultés respiratoires (75, 4%) et la fièvre (74, 4%) étaient les symptômes les plus cités. Tous les participants disaient utiliser au moins une mesure préventive. Seuls 11,8 % d'entre eux utilisaient des masques en permanence. Parmi les patients qui avaient présenté des symptômes, la plupart pratiquaient l'automédication (28 ; 93,3%) comprenant des antibiotiques et des mélanges de plantes. En comparant la connaissance des mesures préventives avec la pratique, le lavage régulier des mains (p=0,004) et l'évitement des contacts étroits (p<0,001) ont montré des différences significatives. Conclusion. Les connaissances sur le COVID-19 se sont améliorées. Une communication continue améliorerait l'utilisation des moyens de protection. La médecine traditionnelle dans notre milieu nécessite également une meilleure organisation.

Keywords

COVID-19 knowledge attitude practice Cameroon

Article Details

How to Cite
Choffor-Nchinda, E., Atanga, L., Fokouo Fogha, J., Nyada, F., & Me-Meke, G. (2021). COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitude and Practice One Year after: A Study of Adults from Ear-Nose-Throat Departments of Cameroon. HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASE, 22(7). https://doi.org/10.5281/hsd.v22i7.2840
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