COVID-19 pandemic: Nigerians' perception about the National health system and socio-political rights

Authors

  • Samuel Oluwasogo Dada Department of Research Innovation and International Cooperation, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
  • Olawale Ayomikun Oniya Department of Programming, Ipas Nigeria, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Oluwatobi James Hussain Department of Health Promotion and Education, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20205284

Keywords:

COVID-19, Knowledge, Perception, National health system, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The study investigated the knowledge of Nigerian youths on COVID-19 and their perception about COVID-19, National health system and socio-political right.

Methods: A descriptive study designed was adopted using an online survey method. Google form was used to elicit responses from 225 Nigerian youths across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. A 12-point knowledge scale was used to assess knowledge, while a 12-point perception scale was used to determine respondents’ perception. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis.

Results: The respondents’ mean age was 28.2±6.1 years. Majority (58.0%) were from the Southern part of Nigeria while 42.0% were from the Northern part of Nigeria. Also, 63.0% of the respondents had at least a first degree and majority (60.4%) were female. Almost all (87.2%) the respondent had good knowledge on the novel COVID-19, with mean knowledge score of 9.5±2.6. About one-third (31.6%) of the respondent reported the Nigeria health system is too weak and they desired to leave the country, 84.9% believed the federal Government of Nigeria is not doing enough in handling the COVID-19 and 45.5% felt Nigeria is not a safe place during a pandemic.

Conclusions: The general perception of Nigerian’s youth about the health system and Government handling of the COVID-19 was poor. A good knowledge of COVID-19 was documented. There is therefore the need for Government to scale up and strengthen the health system capacity to handle health emergencies such as the COVID-19.

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Published

2020-11-27

How to Cite

Dada, S. O., Oniya, O. A., & Hussain, O. J. (2020). COVID-19 pandemic: Nigerians’ perception about the National health system and socio-political rights. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 8(12), 4174–4179. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20205284

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Section

Original Research Articles