Need to investigate COVID-19 beliefs for tailor-made sensitisation campaigns

The main objective of this study was to investigate the COVID-19 beliefs of a random sample of Mauritian social media users.

Cross-sectional study.

This quantitative research was undertaken by means of an online survey instrument, with questions on participants' behaviour towards COVID-19 and their beliefswith respect to susceptibility, barriers, benefits, cues to actions and self-efficacy.

In total, 405 participants completed the survey. Participants had a low mean COVID-19 perceived susceptibility and perceived severity. Significant differences in susceptibility were observed among different age groups, places of residence and educational levels. A significant difference in self-efficacy was found between people living in urban and rural areas. Participants aged <39 years showed a significantly lower perceived benefit of staying at home to avoid COVID-19 infection compared with those aged 39-54 years. Multiple linear regression modelling revealed that participants aged 39-65 years and those who were single were the most concerned about the risk of COVID-19 infection.

The findings of this study provide the basis for evidence-based health education programmes that are tailor-made for specific targeted audience. Sensitisation campaigns on the benefits of staying home should be aimed at younger social media users (aged <39 years). Community health centres in rural areas need to be involved in providing educational videos to empowering people towards self-efficacy.