Knowledge, Attitude and Adherence to Covid 19 Protocol Among Postgraduate Students, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted public health globally, with Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, facing unique challenges due to its diverse socio-economic landscape. University students, particularly postgraduates, are a critical population group whose knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to preventive measures play a key role in mitigating the spread of the virus.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to COVID-19 protocols among postgraduate students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and to determine the influence of socio-demographic factors on these outcomes.

Method of Data Analysis: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire adapted from previous studies and relevant literature. The data were cleaned, coded, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations) were computed, while inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, independent t-tests, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression analyses, were utilized to assess associations between socio-demographic variables, knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to COVID-19 protocols.

Results: The study found that 76.5% of respondents had good COVID-19 knowledge, though 23.5% held misconceptions. Females had significantly higher attitude scores than males (4.2 vs. 3.7, p = 0.004). Adherence to protocols was significantly associated with age (χ² = 10.48, p = 0.032) and marital status (χ² = 8.92, p = 0.017). Logistic regression showed respondents aged 25–29 (AOR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.12–4.75, p = 0.021) and ≥35 (AOR: 3.54, 95% CI: 1.89–6.62, p < 0.001) were more likely to follow preventive measures. Employed students were 1.8 times more likely to practice social distancing (AOR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.15–2.84, p = 0.012). Face mask use (64.7%), hand hygiene (58.3%), and social distancing (47.2%) were common but not universal.

Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of socio-demographic factors in shaping knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among postgraduate students. Tailored intervention strategies and targeted public health messaging are recommended to address identified knowledge gaps and improve adherence to preventive protocols, ultimately enhancing community safety during the ongoing pandemic.