COVID-19 Perceptions Among Communities Residing in Ground Crossings of Somali Region (Preprint)

BACKGROUND COVID-19 has significantly impacted cross-border movement in Eastern and Southern Africa, with border closures and containment measures affecting the region's economy and social fabric. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess community myths, beliefs, perceptions, and information needs among Somali communities living on and near ground crossings in Tog-wajaale, Somali region, Ethiopia. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage sampling technique. Beliefs and perceptions of the virus's spread and control were partially adapted from WHO resources, exploring four main perception themes: perceived facilitators for the spread of the virus, perceived inhibitors, risk labeling, and socio-demographic variables. A sample size of 634 was determined using the single proportion formula, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 14.1. RESULTS The mean percentages of behavioral non-adherence and lack of an enabling environment as facilitators of virus spread were both high, at 62.5% and 92.2%, respectively. The highest perceived inhibitor to control the spread of Covid-19 was seen to be myth (79.3%), followed by preventive measures (46.6%) and false guarantees (40%). CONCLUSIONS Understanding cross-border transmission dynamics, movement patterns, and the behavior of cross-border actors is crucial for developing effective, contextually appropriate risk communication and community engagement strategies to mitigate COVID-19 risk in border communities.