Fekadu Gutema*, Beksisa Urge, Tamirat Siyoum, Temesgen Kassa and Markos T
COVID-19 is an emerging contagious viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that threatens and disturbs humanity. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts of the central highlands of Ethiopia from July 2020 to September 2020 to assess the knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices of the farmers toward the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 131 respondents were participated in the present study of which 37.8% (49) were from Ada’a Berga, 31.3% (41) from Ejere, and 31.3% (41) from Walmara district. Majority of the study participants 86.3% (113) were male, whereas 77.1% (101) were between ages 18–39 years with an average age of 45.34+1.079. All present study participants have heard about COVID-19 cases in which 91.6% (120) of them get information from mass media whereas 6.9% (9) of them from family and friends. In the present study, 90% (95% CI: 83.67-94.05%) of the respondents have good knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the computation of multivariable logistic regression, only occupation of the study participants showed statistically significant association with knowledge level about COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.05). The odds value of poor knowledge for respondents relying on agricultural activities was 23 times more when compared with government employees. Concerned with prevention practice of COVID-19,57.3% (75) and 71% (93) of the respondents said that frequent hand washing for 20 seconds and avoiding handshaking are essential to prevent COVID-19 infection respectively. Even though the present study participants have good knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19, they are practicing poorly for which they may be affected negatively. Therefore, implementation of one health approach to utilize different knowledge source materials and man powers is important to combat COVID-19.
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