Adherence to home care of suspected COVID -19 cases in home isolation

Objective To analyze the association between sociodemographic characteristics and adherence to home care of suspected COVID-19 cases in home isolation. Method This is a cross-sectional, analytical study, and data collection took place in a health unit in Ceará, with 50 suspected COVID-19 participants. A sociodemographic, clinical characterization, and care evaluation form regarding home isolation was applied. For statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney and likelihood ratio tests were used. The ethical principles of research with human beings were followed. Results Most men (57.9%; p = 0.010) and people who personally knew someone diagnosed with COVID-19 (92.1%; p = 0.040) avoided crowded places, 65.4% of the participants with a partner discarded the garbage properly (p = 0.047), and 81.6% of people with less education adhered to washing personal clothes, bedding, and towels with common soap and water (p = 0.043). Conclusions and implications for practice Sociodemographic characteristics influenced adherence to specific care, such as avoiding crowded places, treating contaminated waste, and washing personal clothes, bedding, and towels. Home care needs to be more emphasized in consultations and by means of dissemination.