Factors Associated with Practice of Covid-19 Precautionary Measures among Clients Visiting A Teritiary Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Despite efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus, Addis Ababa, the country's COVID-19 epicenter, is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of cases and death rate. While poor public adherence to individual COVID-19 precautionary measures is evident, factors associated with it are not well studied. We aimed to assess the level of practice of COVID-19 precautionary measures and associated factors.Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from February 1st to 15th, 2021 at Saint Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, a tertiary hospital in Addis Ababa. We used a structured questionnaire to conduct a face-to-face exit interview with randomly selected clients visiting the hospital. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were implemented to examine factors associated with prevention practice.Results: We analyzed data from 262 participants. The mean age of participants was 36(SD=12) years. The majority (207, 79%) of the study participants had a favorable attitude towards prevention and control measures of the disease. A little above half (116, 55.7%) of the respondents had a satisfactory level of practice of COVID-19 precautionary measures. Being a resident of the capital city [AOR: 2.25 (1.22-4.15)], and having a favorable attitude [AOR: (AOR: 4.88(2.08-11.68)] were significantly associated with satisfactory COVID-19 precautionary practice.Conclusions: The level of COVID-19 precautionary practice was unsatisfactory. A favorable attitude and stricter enforcement of COVID-19 preventive measures were associated with adherence to precautionary practices. The findings highlight the need for a public health education strategy targeted at improving attitudes of the community on COVID-19 preventive practice.