Knowledge, Perception, and Sources of Information on COVID-19 among Nigerian Youths in the First Month of the Pandemic

Background: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and sources of COVID-19 information among Nigerian youths. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 817 National Youth Service Corps members. Participants' overall general knowledge about COVID-19 was assessed using nine questions that consisted of general knowledge on the cause, origin, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms, availability of a potent vaccine and specific therapy, prevention strategies of COVID-19 and knowledge of proper handwashing practices. P-values <0.05 were statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 24.1±2 years, 317 (41.2%) were males, and 73 (8.9%) had studied a health-related course. Of the 754 respondents who responded to the COVID-19 knowledge questions, 187 (24.8%) had general knowledge about COVID-19, while 280 (37.1%) had knowledge in all domains;mode of spread, symptoms and signs, and prevention of COVID- 19. Among the respondents, 129 (40.7%) males had satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 (P=0.070), while 38 participants (52.1%) who had studied a health-related course had satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 (P=0.003). Regarding the knowledge of hand washing, 184 (58%) males displayed satisfactory knowledge (P=0.007). Social media (64.4%) and television (58%) were the main sources of COVID-19 information. Respondents who had studied a health-related course were twice likely to have satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 (AOR=2, 95% CI=1.25-2.5 P=0.003, ) and six times likely to have satisfactory knowledge of hand washing (AOR=5.6, 95% CI=3.3-10.0, P≤0.0001). Conclusion: Utilization of both social media and the mainstream mass media in disseminating health education information and correcting fake news and misconceptions is needed. Health promotion strategies should be organized for all youths, especially among those who have no previous education in the health and allied courses. © 2021 Shriaz University of Medical Sciences. All right reserved.