Level and Determinants of Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures in the First Stage of the Outbreak in Uganda

Abstract

We conducted an online survey in the first two months of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in Uganda to assess the level and determinants of adherence to and satisfaction with the COVID-19 preventive measures recommended by the government. We generated Likert scales for adherence and satisfaction outcome variables and measured them with four preventive measures, including handwashing, wearing face masks, physical distancing, and coughing/sneezing hygiene. Of 1726 respondents (mean age: 36 years; range: 12–72), 59% were males, 495 (29%) were adherent to, and 545 (32%) were extremely satisfied with all four preventive measures. Adherence to all four measures was associated with living in Kampala City Centre (AOR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6) and receiving COVID-19 information from health workers (AOR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.01–1.5) or village leaders (AOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.02–1.9). Persons who lived with younger siblings had reduced odds of adherence to all four measures (AOR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61–0.93). Extreme satisfaction with all four measures was associated with being female (AOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6) and health worker (AOR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.5). Experiencing violence at home (AOR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09–0.67) was associated with lower satisfaction. Following reported poor adherence and satisfaction with preventive measures, behavior change programs using health workers should be expanded throughout, with emphasis on men.