Research consultancy

INFLUENCE OF COMMUNITY AWARENESS ON ADHERENCE TO S.O.Ps IN MINIMIZING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

Area of Focus

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illness in both animals and humans. In humans, they primarily lead to respiratory infections ranging from mild conditions such as the common cold to more severe diseases like SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. While COVID-19 may initially present with symptoms similar to a common cold, it is significantly more dangerous. If not detected early and managed properly by health professionals, it can lead to severe illness or even death. Although the origins of the coronavirus are still under investigation, the COVID-19 outbreak is believed to have begun in a seafood and animal market in Wuhan, China (Chathappady, Palissery, & Sebastian, 2021).

According to Coerdt and Khachemoune (2021), the virus most likely originated in bats or pangolins before making the zoonotic leap to humans. The virus spreads predominantly through person-to-person transmission, particularly via respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Infection can also occur through contact with contaminated surfaces such as door handles or furniture, followed by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth (Glaunsinger, 2020). Although anyone can contract the virus, older individuals and those with underlying health conditions—such as heart disease, lung problems, renal issues, or compromised immunity—are more susceptible to severe illness. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and difficulty breathing (Chathappady et al., 2021).

In Banda, person-to-person transmission remains the primary mode of COVID-19 spread. Many residents do not consistently wear masks and continue engaging in physical greetings like handshakes, contributing to rising infection rates in the area.

To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Glaunsinger (2020) recommends avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, washing hands frequently with soap and water, limiting cash handling in favor of digital payments, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoiding unprotected contact with wild or farm animals is also advised.

Community awareness involves the general understanding among residents about societal norms, roles, and pressing issues within their environment (Aldila et al., 2020). It plays a vital role in promoting adherence to public health measures and improving cooperation with government-imposed regulations. As Hill explains, community awareness empowers individuals—particularly family elders—to recognize their roles and responsibilities in advancing public health initiatives (Prandi et al., 2020).

Raising awareness during pandemics is crucial as it encourages preparedness and targeted support for vulnerable groups, ultimately reducing disease transmission. Increased awareness of COVID-19 has positively influenced adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.Ps) such as handwashing, mask-wearing, and physical distancing in several communities (MacPhail et al., 2020).

Owen (2020) notes that regions with high adherence to S.O.Ps, such as several Asian countries, have seen significant reductions in COVID-19 cases. In these areas, businesses have moved operations online to minimize physical contact and reduce virus spread.

Public healthcare systems globally, including Uganda’s, have been commended for their role in mitigating the pandemic’s impact, largely attributed to widespread community sensitization and adherence to public health guidelines.

1.2 Study Site Description

This study will be conducted in Banda Parish, located in Nakawa Division, Kampala, Uganda. Banda is surrounded by several neighborhoods including Gayaza, Kireka, Ntinda, Nakawa, Bugolobi, Mutungo Biina, and Luzira.

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS, 2014), Nakawa Division has a population of approximately 318,447 people, with women comprising 51% and 84,793 total households. Data for this study will also consider sanitation service levels as outlined by the WHO/Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP, 2017).

1.3 Problem Statement

Despite significant government efforts to raise awareness and enforce public health guidelines, COVID-19 cases have continued to rise in Uganda, including in Banda Parish. The government’s response has included measures such as the closure of schools, religious institutions, and other vital sectors—disruptions that have significantly affected livelihoods (Chughtai et al., 2021).

Globally, as of August 26, 2021, over 4.4 million deaths were attributed to COVID-19, with more than 213 million confirmed cases (WHO, 2021). While global awareness campaigns using media platforms such as radio, television, social media, and newspapers have enhanced public understanding, the persistently high infection rates raise questions about the effectiveness of community awareness in ensuring adherence to S.O.Ps.

In Uganda, more than 119,000 confirmed cases and 2,968 deaths have been reported. This situation calls for a deeper investigation into the relationship between community awareness and compliance with public health guidelines in efforts to contain the virus.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the role of self-management in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in communities?
ii. How do preventive practices such as mask-wearing and handwashing influence the spread of COVID-19 among community members?
iii. What is the influence of cultural practices on adherence to COVID-19 S.O.Ps in communities?

1.6 Justification of the Study

COVID-19 has triggered one of the most severe economic disruptions of the 21st century. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), 114 million jobs were lost globally in 2020. This was coupled with working-hour reductions equivalent to 255 million full-time jobs and a total income loss of $3.7 trillion—figures that surpass the 2009 global financial crisis.

The pandemic has also drastically altered daily life, limiting social interactions such as attending bars and public events. These realities warrant a focused study to examine how community-level interventions, particularly awareness campaigns, can influence public adherence to life-saving health protocols.

Furthermore, the significant loss of lives due to COVID-19 globally and in Uganda underscores the importance of understanding community dynamics in controlling the virus.

1.7 Significance of the Study

The study will shed light on the role of self-management in limiting COVID-19 transmission.
It will provide insights to policymakers on the impact of self-motivation and individual responsibility in curbing virus spread.
It will inform future academic research on the importance of mask usage, hand hygiene, and cultural behaviors in preventing infectious diseases.
The findings will contribute valuable data on the role of community culture in influencing adherence to public health guidelines.