Non-pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) in Curbing COVID-19 in a Metropolis in North-Central Nigeria

Background: Effective treatment for COVID-19 is not available, neither is an effective vaccine for its prevention. Drastic measures in the form of non-pharmaceutical interventions need to be applied to reduce transmission and flatten the curve. Objectives: This study aimed at analyzing the knowledge of the study population about social distancing and their attitude towards the use of face masks in a bid to flatten the curve of COVID-19 pandemic in the state and Nigeria as a whole. Methods: This study, which was conducted in the central business district of Ilorin in Kwara State, Nigeria, investigated the knowledge of social distancing and attitude toward the use of face masks in a metropolis. A total of 300 participants were randomly selected, and their information was retrieved through the administration of a self or interviewer-administered questionnaire. The primary data was analyzed using SPSS. Variables were tested with chi-squared test, and data was presented in frequency tables and simple percentages. Attitude of the participants was evaluated using a five-point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Results: Most of the participants (93.3%) had heard about social distancing. What the term means was not known to 68 (22.7%) of the participants and not practiced by 106 (30.7%) of them. The consistent use of face masks was reported by 30 (10%) participants, while 164 (54.7%) used face masks irregularly, and 106 (35.3%) did not use them at all. Face masks are perceived to be uncomfortable by 165 (55%) respondents, 134 (44.7%) believed it disturbs normal breathing, 103 (34.3) thought it disfigures the face, and its effects on dressing was pointed out by 95 (31.7) respondents. Conclusions: In general, the participants demonstrated a good knowledge of social distancing though not widely practiced it. They also had a positive attitude towards the use of face masks, though it was not correctly and consistently worn. Intensified efforts in education on the right use and essence of these non-pharmaceutical interventions are strongly recommended.