Perceptions and Behaviors related to Hand Hygiene for the Prevention of COVID 19 transmission among community members in Eastern Uganda during a pandemic period

Perceptions and Behaviors related to Hand Hygiene for the Prevention of COVID 19 transmission among community members in Eastern Uganda during a pandemic period Project Background, context and needs to be addressed The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) first discovered in Wuhan, China and declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11th March 2020 is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Guo et al., 2020). As of 18th April 2020, COVID-19 had infected over 2 million people and caused an estimated 140,000 deaths in 210 countries worldwide (Johns Hopkins University, 2020). Uganda as of 18th April 2020 has 55 confirmed cases with 35 active cases, 20 recoveries and no deaths (Ministry of Health Uganda, 2020). Across the globe, several measures have been enacted by governments in order to slow the spread of the virus; some of the measures are social distancing, hand washing with soap and water or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. As no vaccine for COVID 19 had has been developed, the Ugandan government has attempted to mitigate the spread of disease by reducing transmission. Infected individuals are being identified, isolated and treated while public health campaigns have been initiated to educate the general public about preventive behaviours that reduce the risk of transmission. The specific techniques recommended include sneezing into a tissue and washing hands regularly with soap and water. Given that the evidence regarding the preventive effectiveness of wearing a facemask is inconclusive, hand hygiene is considered the easiest and most effective measure to prevent the spread of COVID 19. Previously, multiple studies were undertaken to identify the factors that most effectively motivated people to adopt specific hand washing behaviours. Amidst all the stated interventions, the community members still have a challenge with adhering to hand washing habits. In some places there are not hand washing facilities or some are non-functional. The current study aims to assess the perceptions, attitudes and motivating factors regarding hand washing during the peak period of the COVID 19 pandemic through the use of a cross sectional survey model. Aims or research questions being addressed To assess the perceptions, attitudes and motivating factors regarding hand washing during the COVID 19 pandemic. Study design A cross sectional survey with both quantitative and qualitative methods will be used. The study area will be carried out Mbale district in eastern region of Uganda. Sample size will be calculated using the Kish Leslie formula. A questionnaire will be developed and administered to community members by trained research assistants. Study participants will include adults who consent to participate in the study. In addition, four to six focused groups will be conducted to explore the perceptions and motivating factors. Ethical approval will be sought from Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Research and Ethics Committee. Approach used to maximise the impact of research outputs, to improve health and the research community This will be a community study and will employ both quantitative and qualitative methods. Expected outcomes This study will bring out information regarding perceptions and attitudes towards hand washing. The current hand washing habits and motivating factors will be documented. This information will inform the Ministry of Health about the success of the ongoing public education campaigns regarding hand washing. The information will also guide planning for future campaigns on hand hygiene during a disease outbreak. Your role in the project I'm the principal investigator in the project. I conceived and designed the concept. I hope to work with a team of colleagues to carry out the study. I will be responsible for the leadership, accountability, monitoring and evaluation of the project. I will fully engage in the process of data collection. I will also take lead in the data analysis and report writing process. References Guo, Y.-R., Cao, Q.-D., Hong, Z.-S., Tan, Y.-Y., Chen, S.-D., Jin, H.-J., ... Yan, Y. (2020). The origin, transmission and clinical therapies on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak-an update on the status. Military Medical Research, 7(1), 1-10. Johns Hopkins University. (2020). Coronavirus Resource Center. Ministry of Health Uganda. (2020). COVID-19 Status Report. Kampala, Uganda. National Drugs Authority. (2020). Guidelines on hand sanitizers for use in COVID-19 Pandemic. World Health Organization. (2015). Guide To Local Production: Who-Recommended Handrub Formulations, (April), 1-9.