Preventive Practices of Coronavirus Disease among Major Market Traders in Ogbomosho North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Preventive Practices of Coronavirus Disease among Major Market Traders in Ogbomosho North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Idowu Funmilayo FAMILONI (Ph.D) ¹, Olajoke. S. AJIBADE², Taiwo Adenike OTUFALE¹, Adeola Eunice Setonji¹

¹Lead City University, Ibadan

²Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.121500080P

Received: 08 May 2025; Accepted: 13 May 2025; Published: 27 June 2025

ABSTRACT

The study provided information on the preventive practices of Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease among major market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area. A cross-sectional survey research design was used for this study. Population for this study is n=300 which comprised all traders in the four (4) major markets of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State. Simple random sampling technique of fish bowl without replacement, proportionate and convenience sampling techniques were used for this study. Researcher-developed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages were used to analyze the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and all the research questions. Inferential statistics of Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) was used for the analyses. The result revealed that preventive practices of Coronavirus infection among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area was high. Also, gender was not tested significant on preventive practices of Coronavirus disease among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area (t=1.883, df=298, p>0.05). The research recommended that the authority of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area in collaboration with State Ministry of Health to organize periodic Health Education programmes specifically on preventive practices of COVID-19 among market women in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area Oyo State to ensure informed decisions or self-efficacy linked to the risk factor determinants in the etiology of the morbidity.

 Keywords: Preventive Practices, Coronavirus disease, Market Traders

 INTRODUCTION

Background of Study

Around the world, various steps have been taken to prevent it. Public access to a variety of information about the virus and how to prevent it has also been made available. The researcher noticed that, despite the fact that coronavirus come in a variety of shapes and sizes, the major market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State seemed to be acting carelessly or unaware of the potentially fatal consequences of contracting the virus. Therefore, there is a need to examine people’s preventive practices to assess their preparedness for any significant outbreak, which is usually deadly. However, studies in this regard among Major Market Traders are few in Nigeria, more so in the southwest region where Ogbomoso is located which accounts for almost half of the confirmed cases in Nigeria²². Therefore, the study examined knowledge and attitude of coronavirus disease among Major Market Traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, Oyo State.

Research Question 1:

1. What are the preventive practices of Coronavirus disease among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area?

Hypothesis: 

H₀ r=0 . The coefficient of determination in the distribution is negatively linked to gender-bias in the preventive practices of Coronavirus disease among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area

H₁ r≠ 0 . The coefficient of determination in the distribution is positively linked to gender-bias in the preventive practices of Coronavirus disease among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area

CI=0.05, Sig 0.01 2 Tailed

LITERATURE REVIEW

The magnitude of the disease revealed an estimate of over 600 million confirmed cases with over 20 million deaths (https://www.worldometer/prevalence/COVID-19/ infections, 2022). According to the World Health Organisation, (WHO, 2022), in 2023, currently infected cases is over 20 million of which 99.8% are in mild conditions and 0.2% are in critical conditions. The microbe named coronavirus has crown-like spikes on its outer surface and made up of four main subtypes; alpha beta, gamma, and delta (https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavires/hcp / training.html, 2021). It belongs to the beta corona viruses, which are enveloped, non-segmented, and single-strained with positive-sense genomes (organism’s complete set of genetic instructions) (Zhou et al., 2021). SARS-Cov-2 is the novel corona virus that causes corona virus disease 2019 or Covid-19. Also, it is widely believed that SARS-Cov-2 originated from bats, and pangolins may be the intermediate host while humans are the definite hosts (Lam & N.Jia, 2021). Delta variant was identified and reported to be 1000 times infectious than Cov-19A/19B strains in the critical wave of 2020 (Zhang., 2021).

COVID-19 is contracted through inhalation of short-distance droplets and direct contact with an incubation period of 2-14 days. In most cases, the presentation is asymptomatic (no obvious sign of illness). The typical symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, fatigue, dry cough and diarrhoea etc. Also, when not promptly attended to, it may lead to multiple organ failures and systemic complications such as sepsis and septic shock (Zhang., 2021). Therefore, curtailing the community spread of the virus is essential in mitigating the devastating impact of the pandemic. This is important in a community where there is already a weak healthcare system.

It is crucial to note that the reported cases of coronavirus is remarkably low as the time this research was carried out. Recently, in April 2023, no new cases of coronavirus were recorded in Nigeria (NCDC, 2020). In Oyo State, there were zero case of admission as at 6^th of May 2023 (NCDC, 2020). However, there is a need for caution and attention to preventive practices despite its reduced spread because the disease has come to stay. Laxity should be discouraged to avoid the recurrence of such outbreaks.

Several studies have reported knowledge of corona virus disease and impact on various populations (Faasse & Newby, 2020). In the same vein, study carried out among traders in three major markets in Anambra State, Nigeria revealed 99.6% had basic knowledge of coronavirus disease, whereas some Major Market Traders did not believe and follow the guidelines in the prevention of the disease (Ekwebene et al., 2020). It is also very important to note that often times, knowledge does not translate to positive attitudinal behaviour. It was reported that providing expert information about Coronavirus disease significantly reduced fatalistic beliefs(Akesson, et al., 2020).

Attitudinal practice when positive have tendency of reducing the spread of coronavirus disease among individuals and communities. A cross-sectional study on COVID-19 among the public in Saudi Arabia revealed that majority of the respondents were knowledgeable about the disease, but had optimistic attitudes towards coronavirus disease. It further reported that men had less optimistic attitudes than women (AL-Hanawi, 2022). Another study conducted among residents in two (2) Local Government Areas of Ibadan, Oyo State reported that fear of being diagnosed with the disease was a major barrier to their health-seeking behaviour. However, it was recommended that health experts should develop health promotion and intervention programmes tailored towards improving health-seeking behaviour of the residents (Olaigbe & Bode-Okunade, 2020).

Prior information and effective awareness programme go a long way in preventing the spread of the disease and promoting protective behaviour. The awareness created by the government at the federal, state and local levels through the social media as well as religious and non-governmental organisations was aimed at knowledge improvement and correction of certain misconceptions that have been widely circulated among community members. Superstitious beliefs have largely shaped the perception of most Nigerians regarding the source and cause of corona virus disease (Ckukworji & Iorfa, 2020). However, the magnitude of coronavirus disease has placed important role on individuals for right application of information which may help to stem the tide in the community as a whole.

It is crucial to note that the reported cases of coronavirus is remarkably low as the time this research was carried out. Recently, in April 2023, no new cases of coronavirus were recorded in Nigeria (NCDC, 2020). In Oyo State, there were zero case of admission as at 6^th of May 2023 (NCDC, 2020). However, there is a need for caution and attention to preventive practices despite its reduced spread because the disease has come to stay. Laxity should be discouraged to avoid the recurrence of such outbreaks.

Several studies have reported knowledge of corona virus disease and impact on various populations (Faasse & J. Newby, 2020). In the same vein, study carried out among traders in three major markets in Anambra State, Nigeria revealed 99.6% had basic knowledge of coronavirus disease, whereas some Major Market Traders did not believe and follow the guidelines in the prevention of the disease (Ekwebene, et al., 2020). It is also very important to note that often times, knowledge does not translate to positive attitudinal behaviour. It was reported that providing expert information about Coronavirus disease significantly reduced fatalistic beliefs (Akesson, et al, 2020).

Preventive practice are associated with lowering or minimising the spread of coronavirus disease. The significance of health as one of the basic rights of human beings cannot be overemphasized. It is a personal duty, and self-hygiene is the cheapest and easiest way to prevent infections when carried out adequately and appropriately by individuals. A study reported among Iranian population on COVID-19 preventive behaviours revealed significant relationship between preventive behaviours and socio-demographic characteristics of the population. Overall, the study concluded that 50% of the population did not take the preventive behaviours into consideration (Firouz , et al,. 2021). Education on precautionary measures of coronavirus disease such as wearing of face mask, regular hand washing with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and social distancing have been done (Gbadamosi, 2021). A study in Florida, U.S.A reported that understanding the uptake and characteristics associated with individual prevention and information-seeking behaviour facilitated COVID-19 response efforts(Gunderson, Mitchell, Reid & M. Jordan, 2021).

Previous research among taxi drivers in Ethiopia found that consistent wearing of face masks, hand washing, and physical distancing can protect against COVID-19. Also, moderate frequent hand washing (6-10) times per day or regular hand washing with soap, hand sanitizer, gel, or spray alcohol can reduce the personal risk of developing coronavirus infection as well as the proper use of face mask was strongly associated with a significant decrease in the risk of respiratory infections (Natnael, et al,. 2022). Based on this premise, the study examined the knowledge attitude and preventive practice of coronavirus disease among major Market Traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, Oyo State.

 METHODOLOGY

This research adopted cross-sectional survey research design. 

Population

Population of this study comprised all traders in the eight (8) markets of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State. The markets include Oja Titun Market, Oja’Gbo Market, Ayanyan Market, Waso Market Phase I, Waso Market Phase II, Oja Jagun Market, AgbadaMarket, and Oja-Oba Market. 

The total sample used for this study was three hundred (300) Major Market Traders. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select the respondents for the study. These sampling techniques include three stages. 

Simple random sampling technique

Simple random sampling technique of fish bowl without replacement was used to select four out of eight markets. Proportionate sampling technique was used to select twenty five percent (25%) from the selected markets. Convenience sampling technique was used to administer questionnaire to those respondents who volunteered themselves from the markets selected. The markets are Oja Titun Market, Oja’Gbo Market, Ayanyan Market and Waso Market Phase 1. 

Research Instrument

A researcher-developed questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection in the study. This instrument was a closed ended Likert scale format. The questionnaire was made up of four sections, namely; section A, B, C and D. 

Validity and Reliability of Instrument

A draft of the questionnaire was presented to the expert to ensure construct and content validity of the instrument, and the reliability to measure the internal consistency of the questionnaire yielded 0.84.

Data analysed

Data was analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages to analyse the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and the research questions. Inferential statistics of Pearson Product Movement Correlation (PPMC) was used to analyse hypotheses at 0.05 level of significant.

 Presentation of Data

This chapter presents results of the analyses and discussion of findings. The results and discussion of findings are presented based on demographic characteristics of the respondents, research questions and hypotheses as follow:

Demographic Data 

The following are the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents.

Table 1: Distribution of the Respondents by Sex

Sex	Frequency	Percent
Male	114	38.0
Female	186	62.0
Total	300	100.0

 

Table 1 reveals that 114 (38.0%) respondents were male, while 186 (62.0%) were female. This means that, most of the respondents were female.

Table 2: Distribution of the Respondents by Age

Age	Frequency	Percent
18-24 years	21	7.0
25-31 years	76	25.3
32-38 years	113	37.7
39 years and above	90	30.0
Total	300	100.0

 

Table 2 reveals that 21 (7.0%) respondents were in the age range of 18-24 years, 76 (25.3%) were between 25-31 years, 113 (37.7%) were in the age range of 32-38 years, while 90 (30.0%) respondents were 39 years and above. This means that, most of the respondents were between 32-38 years.

Research Question

Research Question 1: What are the preventive practices of Coronavirus disease among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area?

Table 3: Summary of Result on Preventive Practices of Coronavirus Disease   

S/n	Statement	RE	SM	NE	Mean	Std. Dev.
1.	I use my hands or handkerchief to cover my mouth when coughing.	230 (76.7%)	55 (18.3%)	15 (5.0%)	2.72	0.55
2.	Staying in the sun to sell my goods is better for me than using face mask.	138(46.0%)	85(28.3%)	77(25.7%)	2.20	0.82
3.	I believe in using herbs to prevent coronavirus infection.	164 (54.7%)	86(28.7%)	50(16.7%)	2.38	0.76
4.	I use face mask every time at the market.	189 (63.0%)	99 (33.0%)	12 (4.0%)	2.59	0.57
5.	I wash my hands with soap and clean water frequently at the market.	204(68.0%)	90(30.0%)	6(2.0%)	2.66	0.52
6.	I make use of hand sanitizer after each sale.	198(66.0%)	98(32.7%)	4(1.3%)	2.65	0.51
7.	Treating symptoms of fever is a common practice for me.	224(74.7%)	66(22.0%)	10(3.3%)	2.71	0.52
8.	I maintain social distancing while in the crowd.	221(73.7%)	70(23.3%)	9(3.0%)	2.71	0.52
9.	I will willfully isolate myself if I experience the symptoms of COVID-19 as a way to prevent its spread.	158(52.7%)	66(22.0%)	76(25.3%)	2.27	0.84
10.	Vaccination is a major way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.	240(80.0%)	23(7.7%)	37(12.3%)	2.68	0.68
					Weighted mean=2.56

 

Decision Rule: Very high =4.00-3.00, High=2.99-2.00, Low=1.99-0.99, Very low=0.01-0.00.

 Table 3 reveals that 230 (76.7%) respondents regularly use my hands or handkerchief to cover their mouth when coughing, 55 (18.3%) sometimes involved in it, while 15 (5.0%) never engaged in it. In addition, 138 (46.0%) respondents regularly stay in the sun to sell their goods is better for them than using face mask, 85 (28.3%) sometimes involved in it, while 77 (25.7%) never engaged in it. Moreover, 164 (54.7%) respondents regularly believe in using herbs to prevent coronavirus infection, 86 (28.7%) sometimes involved in it, while 50 (16.7%) never engaged in it. Additionally, 189 (63.0%) respondents regularly used face mask every time at the market, 99 (33.0%) sometimes involved in it, while 12 (4.0%) never engaged in it. Also, 204 (68.0%) respondents regularly wash their hands with soap and clean water frequently at the market, 90 (30.0%) sometimes involved in it, while 6 (2.0%) never engaged in it.

In the same vein, 198 (66.0%) respondents regularly make use of hand sanitizer after each sale, 98 (32.7%) sometimes involved in it, while 4 (1.3%) never engaged in it. Besides, 224 (74.7%) respondents agreed that regular of treating symptoms of fever is a common practice for them, 66 (22.7%) sometimes involved in it, while 10 (3.3%) never engaged in it. Moreover, 221 (73.7%) respondents agreed that they maintain social distancing while in the crowd, 70 (23.3%) sometimes involved in it, while 9 (3.0%) never engaged in it. Moreover, 158 (52.7%) respondents agreed that they willfully isolate themselves if they experience the symptoms of COVID-19 as a way to prevent its spread, 66 (22.0%) sometimes involved in it, while 76 (25.3%) never engaged in it. Also, 240 (80.0%) respondents agreed that vaccination is a major way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, 23 (7.7%) sometimes involved in it, while 37 (12.3%) never engaged in it. Based on the responses, it was revealed that most respondents responded positively to the question items. Table 4.7 further revealed that the weighted mean was 2.56which indicated that the score was high based on the decision rule. This means that the preventive practices of Coronavirus infection among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area was high.

Hypothesis

Hypothesis: There will be no significant gender difference preventive practices of Coronavirus disease among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area

Table 4: T-test Analysis of Gender Difference in Preventive Practices of Coronavirus Disease

Preventive Practices of Coronavirus Disease	Gender	N	Mean	Std. Dev.	df	t value	Sig. (p value)	Remark
	Male	114	25.16	3.33	298	1.883	0.061	Not Significant
	Female	186	25.82	2.68

 

Table 4 revealed that gender was not tested significant on preventive practices of Coronavirus disease among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area(t=1.883, df=298, p>0.05). This implied that, there was no significant gender difference in preventive practices of Coronavirus disease among some selected market traders in OgbomosoNorth Local Government Area. Hence, the null hypothesis was therefore accepted. Then, it was further revealed that, female respondents had a higher mean score (ū=25.82) than their male counterparts with a mean score of 25.16. This means that, female respondents practices of Coronavirus disease better than their male counterparts.  

DISCUSSION 

The outcome of this study also revealed that, the preventive practices of Coronavirus infection was high among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area. This was established through the responses of the respondents which revealed that most of them regularly and sometimes used hands or handkerchief to cover their mouth when coughing. In addition, most respondents regularly and sometimes stay in the sun to sell their goods is better for them than using face mask. Moreover, majority of the respondents regularly and sometimesbelieve in using herbs to prevent coronavirus infection. Additionally, most respondents regularly and sometimes used face mask every time at the market. Also, majority of the respondents regularly wash their hands with soap and clean water frequently at the market. In the same vein, most respondents regularly and sometimes made use of hand sanitizer after each sale. Besides, most respondents agreed that regular of treating symptoms of fever is a common practice for them, majority respondents agreed that they maintain social distancing while in the crowd. Moreover, most respondents agreed that they willfully isolate themselves if they experience the symptoms of COVID-19 as a way to prevent its spread. Also, majority of the respondents agreed that vaccination is a major way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The finding of this study on preventive practices of Coronavirus disease revealed that gender was not tested significant on preventive practices of Coronavirus disease among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area. This implied that, there was no significant gender difference in preventive practices of Coronavirus disease among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area. Then, it was further revealed that, female respondents had a higher mean score than their male counterparts. This means that, female respondents practices of Coronavirus disease better than their male counterparts.  

CONCLUSION

It was conclude that preventive practices of Coronavirus infection was high among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area. This was established through the responses of the respondents which revealed that most of them regularly and sometimes used hands or handkerchief to cover their mouth when coughing. Also, there was no significant gender difference in preventive practices of Coronavirus disease among some selected market traders in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area. Then, it was further revealed that, female respondents had a higher mean score than their male counterparts. This means that, female respondents practices of Coronavirus disease better than their male counterparts.  

Based on the evidence-base from the observational study, the following recommendations were made: 

1. The authority of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area should organise periodic sensitization programme on Coronavirus disease for Major Market Traders in the study area. 

2. The authority of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area in collaboration with State Ministry of Health to organise periodic Health Education programmes specifically on preventive practices of COVID-19 among market women in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area.

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