A Comparative Analysis of the Knowledge and Stigmatizing Attitude of Ghanaians and Nigerians towards COVID-19 Survivors

Introduction: In Africa, COVID-19 associated stigmatization still remains the contextual factor that poses a challenge for the mitigation and suppression of COVID-19 spread, especially among the illiterate populations. This comparative study was therefore conducted to assess the knowledge and willingness of Ghanaians and Nigerians to associate with COVID-19 survivors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect information from 290 Ghanaian and 220 Nigerian nationals aged 18 years and above between 11th July-30th October 2020. An electronic-based questionnaire was developed to collect information on the public. The data were analyzed with SPSS v 22 and factors influencing knowledge and willingness to associate with COVID-19 survivors were identified using chi-square and logistic regression at p=0.05. Results: The mean age of all participants was 26.18(SD=6.87), about 75% of the Ghanaians and 81.8% of Nigerians were within 25-34 years of age. . Ghanaians were more knowledgeable about COVID-19, 230(79.3%) compared with Nigerians 60(27.3%). High stigmatizing attitude was dominant among Nigerians 140(73.7) than Ghanaian 50 (26.3). While age significantly increased knowledge [OR: 2.83(1.461,5.495), p=0.002] and deceased stigmatizing attitude [OR: 0.35(0.182,0.684), p=0.002] in Ghana, it wasn’t significant in Nigeria. In both countries, religious affiliation and education were not statistically associated with knowledge and stigmatizing attitude. Conclusions: The overall knowledge and willingness to associate with COVID-19 survivors among these study participants were fairly adequate and welcoming for the integration of COVID-19 survivors into normal living. Stakeholders should embark on COVID-19 stigmatization campaigns through a timely online update, van mobilization and mass media broadcasting aimed at stopping and preventing further stigma surrounding infected and recovered persons.