Assessment of facility availability and public adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures at different settings in Galle district, Sri Lanka

Authors

  • Nithin Ranawakaa
  • N.H. Welikumburab

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46981/sfjhv2n2-010

Keywords:

COVID-19, facility availability, adherence, Preventive measures, Hand washing, Social distancing

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by newly discovered coronavirus. Preventive measures such as Hand hygiene, maintaining social distance, and using personal protective equipment, are the main strategies for limiting the spread of disease. The main objective of this study is to assess facility availability and adherence to those preventive measures in Galle district, Sri Lanka.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Study had 3 parts, 1) observation for facility availability, 2) observation and 3) questionnaire for adherence.  Direct, structured observation has been conducted.  Ten divisional secretarial areas selected randomly, each area supermarket, bank, bus stand, dress point, general goods store selected (total 50) randomly for observation. Quota sampling used for select individuals to observation and questionnaire. 

Result

Data collected from 50 places and 384 people. Majority of places had a handwashing facility (82%) clean (97.5%) running water (74%) soap (92.6%) and posters requesting to wear masks (72%). Facilities enhance social distance, poster on correct hand washing technique not displayed (86%) in most of the places. Majority of the study population adhered to hand washing (69.27%) and wore face masks (90.36%), Yet, the majority didn’t maintain the social distance (63.02%). Self-declared adherence was good (53.91%) in the majority of the study population.

Discussion and Conclusions

It is necessary to give attention to display posters on handwashing, correct technique of handwashing, and social distancing in crowded places. Poorest adherence revealed to maintain social distancing.

Published

2021-06-08

How to Cite

Ranawakaa, N. ., & Welikumburab, N. . (2021). Assessment of facility availability and public adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures at different settings in Galle district, Sri Lanka. South Florida Journal of Health, 2(2), 254–265. https://doi.org/10.46981/sfjhv2n2-010