Corona virus pandemic: Resolving knowledge gap among working class households in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Corona virus pandemic affected working class household globally. However, individuals differ how they perceived severity of the disease. The study was conducted among 250 households randomly selected from 1000 households in Abuja Municipal to examine demographic difference on knowledge and experience of covid-19. This was motivated to bridge gap in adherence to mitigate pandemic infections. Knowledge measured network and sources of information dissemination on covid-19. Experience measured risk of contraction of covid-19. Data were generated and analysed quantitatively using structured questionnaire, computer entry and inferential statistics. Households were sampled using cluster and systematic techniques; two respondents per household were selected using accidental sampling by consent and anonymity. Sample size was 500 and statistically determined. Demographic characteristics consisted of male (55.5%) and female (44.5%), married (65.7%) and single (34.3%), and 35.8% households lived on monthly income N100,000 or $263.5 equivalent. Knowledge of covid-19 was determined by occupation (r0.8, p<.01), education (r-0.3, p>.20), income (r0.6, p>.30) and marital status (r0.8, p>.40). Covid-19 information was scanty among low income and non-professionals working class. Risk of contagion was predicted by variance of income (R1.344, p>0.04), education (R1.472, p>0.02), gender (R1.34, p>0.03) and occupation (R1.56, p>.004). Working-class households on band of moderate income, education above college graduate and engaged in professional occupations had low susceptible risk of covid-19. Dissemination and channels of information on covid-19 safeguarded working class households from high risks, although low-income households in Abuja were at high risks. Intervention in pandemic outbreak should be holistic and pro poor to safeguard public workers.  

Key Words: COVID-19, working-class households, public workers, urban residents, disease information