Knowledge and Practices of COVID 19 Prevention Measures among Marketeers in Kamwala Market

Abstract

This important feature of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced economic crisis has dire consequences for the Zambian economy. Given the uncertainty surrounding the duration of the crisis, and lack of relevant data, it is challenging to derive precise and reliable quantitative estimate of the impact of the crisis on productive capacities (MoF and MNDP, 2020).The study explored Knowledge and practices Of Covid 19 prevention measures among marketers in Kamwala Market. Data collection was carried out over a period of a month using closed-ended questionnaires that will be handed to the participants. The sample comprised any trader or marketer who had a business in Kamwala Market. Analysis of the quantitative data collected was done through STATA version 15. STATA was used to make summaries of the social demographic data and the response of the participants on their knowledge and practices. As far as preparedness to fight against COVID-19 is concerned, our study showed that all the participants were aware of the need to avoid mass gatherings, avoid traveling to suspected areas, the use of face masks and hand sanitizers. The present study found that the majority of the participants were aware of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The overall awareness regarding disease signs and symptoms, potential sources of infection, and prevention recommendations were deemed high from the responses of the study. To add on, 72% knew that people who are much more prone to COVID-19 or people at high risk are those who had any underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and lung diseases. Also established from the study is that COVID-19 is associated or is related to the respiratory system, which causes some difficulties in breathing (100%), with high temperatures (100%) accompanied by dry cough.