Perceptions about COVID-19 preventive measures among Ghanaian women
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLOS ONE
Abstract
Though the advent of COVID-19 vaccines has significantly reduced severe morbidity and
mortality, infection rates continue to rise. Therefore, adhering to COVID-19 preventive mea sures remains essential in the fight against the pandemic, particularly in Africa, where vacci nation rates remain low. However, the perceived risk associated with COVID-19 and public
education and awareness campaigns has waned over time. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is
consistently high among women globally. This study, therefore, assessed the facilitators,
and barriers to adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. A qualitative descriptive
study was conducted among Ghanaian women. Twenty-seven in-depth interviews were
conducted with women in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim into English. The data were analysed using NVivo 10
software. While some participants found the use of face masks as the easiest, others found
it as the most difficult. In addition, institutional and policy decisions such as access to water
and the use of public transport impacted individual level adherence to preventive measures.
In conclusion, the fight against COVID-19 is not over; hence public education and the provi sion of facilities that would enhance compliance with preventive measures should continue
to be prioritised.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
COVID-19, morbidity, mortality
Citation
Citation: Kyei-Arthur F, Agyekum MW, Afrifa Anane GF, Larbi RT, Kisaakye P (2023) Perceptions about COVID-19 preventive measures among Ghanaian women. PLoS ONE 18(4): e0284362. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0284362