A Community Evaluation of Compliance, Commitment and Constraints towards Strategies for Minimizing the Spread of COVID-19 in Ibadan, Nigeria

The number of infected persons from COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria continues to increase daily in the face of proven recommended preventive measures. There is paucity of information on community compliance, constraints and commitment towards minimizing the spread of Coronavirus. Hence, this study was designed to address this gap in knowledge. Forty-eight randomly selected houses, facilities comprising majorly residential and business premises were assessed in Agbowo, Ibadan, Nigeria. On-site observations, key informant interviews and informal discussions were employed to elicit information on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), awareness and factors responsible for the spread of COVID-19 and hygiene practices. Relatively high use of nose mask, hand-washing with soap and hand sanitizer were observed in the facilities assessed. Some participants believed that COVID-19 is a myth while a few believed it can be contracted through animals, unhygienic behaviour. Factors hindering compliance to COVID-19 guidelines include the current economic situation, inadequate knowledge and lack of belief. The level of compliance to recommended preventive measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19 is low. Government and relevant organizations should engage in more sensitization and education of masses on the preventive measures in a way and language they will understand.