Worry and Perceived Risk of COVID-19 Among Government Employees in Ethiopia

Abstract Background Worry and perceived risk have been identified as important factors that affect people’s attitude to adopt preventive behaviors against infectious diseases outbreaks and pandemics. However, very few recent studies investigated the worry and perceived risk aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the level of worry and perceived risk of COVID-19 among government employees working in 46 public institutions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods This cross-sectional study used a sample of 1,573 respondents selected by systematic random sampling technique. Data on socio-demographics, worry and perceived risks of COVID-19 were collected using a self-administered questionnaire between 8th and 19th June 2020. Summary statistics were used to summarize the data. Mixed-effects linear regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of COVID-19 worry and perceived risk. Results The mean (± SD) age was 35 (± 8.5) years, with 58.3% aged between 30 to 49 years. About 63% were male and 87% had bachelor’s degree or above. Almost all (98%) respondents were worried about the economic crisis due to COVID-19, followed by worries related to limited access to food supplies (97%), and losing loved one’s (95%). Majority (81%) reported they were being susceptible to coronavirus, and 79% indicated they had a chance of acquiring the virus. About 61% reported their personal health’s increased risk of COVID-19 due to their work characteristics. Predictors of COVID-19 worry were increased year of service (β = 0.09, p = 0.001), being from Oromia (β = 3.93, p < 0.001), younger age (β = -0.07, p < 0.001), having bachelor’s degree (β = -1.58, p = 0.001), and master’s degree or above β = -1.84, p < 0.001). COVID-19 level of worry (β = 0.07, p < 0.001), being men (β = 0.34, p = 0.010) and self-reported chronic illness (β = 0.45, p = 0.047) were significant predictors of perceived risk. Conclusions This study demonstrated higher level of COVID-19 related worry and perceived risk. COVID-19 worry correlated significantly with perceived risk. The findings highlight the importance of considering public reactions such as worry and risk perceptions towards COVID-19 to inform the ongoing public health interventions and health promotion programs.