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Risk perception and precautionary health behavior toward COVID-19 among health professionals working in selected public university hospitals in Ethiopia

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  • Shimelis Girma
  • Liyew Agenagnew
  • Girma Beressa
  • Yonas Tesfaye
  • Arefayne Alenko

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to determine risk perception and precautionary health behavior toward coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among health professionals working in selected public university hospitals of Ethiopia. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was used with health professionals working in selected public university hospitals of Ethiopia. A structured survey questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic, risk perception, and behavioral response items were used. The survey questions were designed on Google form. All academic and clinical staff invited to participate in the online survey, which was carried out from May 1–14, 2020. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24. Descriptive statistics computed and the result is presented by tables and figures. Results: A total of 273 health professionals participated in this study. The mean (± SD) age of participants was 31.03 ± 5.11. Study participants’ overall mean score of perceived risk was 23.59 ± 4.75. The study participants’ mean score of perceived vulnerability (4.01 ± 1.17) was higher than the human immunodeficiency virus, common cold, malaria, and tuberculosis. Regarding precautionary health behavior, the lowest mean score is for wearing gloves 1.82 ± 1.15. Conclusion: Participants mean score of perceived vulnerability of coronavirus disease was higher than some of the prevalent infectious disease in the area. Almost all participants applied recommended protective measures to the acceptable level, except for wearing mask and gloves. Therefore, there is a need to further intensification of more effective ways to support health professionals’ adherence to major precautionary measure is important.

Suggested Citation

  • Shimelis Girma & Liyew Agenagnew & Girma Beressa & Yonas Tesfaye & Arefayne Alenko, 2020. "Risk perception and precautionary health behavior toward COVID-19 among health professionals working in selected public university hospitals in Ethiopia," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(10), pages 1-9, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0241101
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241101
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Etienne Mullet & Cécilia Lazreg & Cereza Candela & Félix Neto, 2005. "The Scandinavian way of perceiving societal risks," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 8(1), pages 19-30, January.
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