Knowledge and adherence to coronavirus disease 2019 preventive measures: A bi-national web-based survey

Background: Within few months of its outbreak, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has ravaged over 200 countries, resulting in over a million deaths. As the disease curve flattens in most countries, the instituted guidelines were receded to mitigate the effect on citizens and the national economy. Aims: To assess the knowledge and level of adherence of Nigerians and Egyptians to the COVID-19 preventive measures. Settings and Design: A validated web-based cross-sectional questionnaire was utilized to obtain 915 respondents via a convenient sampling technique. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from Egyptians and Nigerians who gave consent for participation and are above 18 years of age. Statistical Analysis Used: Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, v. 20. Chi-square test, correlation and one-way analysis of variance were performed to test for relationships between variables. Statistically significant results (P < 0.05) were subjected to further test. Results: Most Egyptians (87%) had satisfactory COVID-19 knowledge compared to Nigerians (40%). Age (18–30 years), tertiary education and educational background were factors that influenced respondents' knowledge. Although majority (73%) believe that the prevention measures are required to curtail the menace of COVID-19, the adherence of most respondents (59.1%) to the measures was unsatisfactory. The pandemic and the regulatory policies negatively affected respondents' education, school or job (90.3%), finance (87.9%) and social interaction (87.5%). Conclusion: Both countries showed a good knowledge of the disease but poor adherence to the preventive measures. The pandemic negatively affected people's finance, education, job, and social interaction.