Adherence to COVID-19 pandemic prescribed recommendations, source of information and lockdown psychological impact of Nigeria social media users

Bolarinwa, O. A.; Olagunju, O. S.; Babalola, T.

Background: COVID-19 is a highly infectious viral disease that has spread to over one hundred and eight countries, including Nigeria. Countries across the globe have been implementing preventive measures towards curbing the spread and impact of the virus. Thus, the present study was aimed at assessing compliance to prescribe preventive recommendations, the psychological effect of lockdown, and the source of information among Nigeria social media users. Methods: This research implemented an online cross-sectional survey using an unidentified online Google based questionnaire to elicit required information from potential respondents via social media channels such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram and Facebook. On these forums, an external link with google based questionnaire was shared with Nigerians social media users to participate from 1st to 31st April 2020 and we had 1,131 respondents who participated in the survey. Results: Age and respondent's scientific or non-scientific backgrounds were the socio-demographic variables associated with respondents having psychological challenges as P<0.05. However, none of the socio-demographic variables of the respondents were associated with compliance with the recommendations as P>0.05. Also, most (63.4%) of the respondents were stressed by the feelings associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, as the expected majority (80.1%) sources information about the epidemics through social media platforms. Conclusion: Given numerous uncertainties surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemics, there is a need to continuously increase awareness through various media and ensure that people are highly complying with the preventive measures being put in place by relevant authorities. Also, palliative measures should be put in place to reduce the psychological impact of the pandemic.