Abstract
BACKGROUND: COVID-19, a severe respiratory illness, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The pandemic has devastated public health, economies, and social structures worldwide. In Ethiopia, the government and health authorities have implemented various COVID-19 prevention strategies to contain the spread of the virus. This study aims to investigates the factors influencing the implementation and effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention strategies in Jigjiga Town, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to December 2022, involving 593 participants in Jigjiga town. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, attitude, knowledge, prevention practices, misconceptions, and COVID-19 prevention strategies. A multivariate model was developed to control for confounding, using variables suitable for multivariate logistic regression analysis with p-values less than 0.25. A variable is considered significant in multivariable logistic regression analysis if its p-value is less than 0.05. RESULTS: The study found that only 12.2% of participants used COVID-19 prevention strategies. Those with a bachelor's degree or higher had a strong association with prevention strategies (AOR: 20.08, 95% CI: 2.13-188.85). Participants informed about COVID-19 prevention were 6.886 times more likely to use strategies (95% CI: 2.975-15.938). People who received the COVID-19 vaccine were 1.14 times more likely to engage in reasonable preventive measures compared to those who did not get vaccinated. CONCLUSION: The study reveals low COVID-19 prevention practices among participants, with only 12.2% utilizing preventive strategies. The covariate, the kinds of information received on COVID-19 prevention mechanisms, participants with a favorable attitude toward COVID-19, educational level, mask-wearing, social distancing, vaccination, hand hygiene, public health communication, and household income were significantly associated with COVID-19 prevention strategies. The COVID-19 vaccination promotes preventive practices, reduces infection risk, protects against severe illness, and decreases community spread.