The Impact of Social Distancing and Frequent Hand Washing in Reducing the Spread of Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) in Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the study
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of social distancing and frequent hand washing in reducing the spread of corona virus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria. The specific objectives are to:
- examine the level of coronavirus disease in Nigeria.
- investigate whether social distancing and frequent hand washing have help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
The chapter deals with literature review on the concept of the impact of social distancing and frequent hand washing in reducing the spread of corona virus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria. This involves various definitions of social distancing, Hand washing, Nigeria case of COVID-19, the review of empirical studies, theoretical review and theoretical framework.
Conceptual Review
In this section, the basic relevant concepts were reviewed. These include social distancing, Hand washing, COVID-19, among others.
Social Distancing
Social distancing is a set of non-pharmaceutical interventions or measures taken to prevent the spread of a contagious disease by maintaining a physical distance between people and reducing the number of times people come into close contact with each other (Harris et. a., 2020; Johnson et. al., 2020). By reducing the probability that a given uninfected person will come into physical contact with an infected person, the disease transmission can be suppressed, resulting in fewer deaths (Harris et. a., 2020; Johnson et. al., 2020). The measures are combined with good respiratory hygiene and hand washing (WHO, 2009). During the 2019–2020 coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggested the reference to “physical” as an alternative to “social”, in keeping with the notion that it is a physical distance which prevents transmission; people can remain socially connected via technology (Harris et. al., 2020; Hensley, 2020; Tangermann, 2020; Kumar, 2020). To slow down the spread of infectious diseases and avoid overburdening healthcare systems, particularly during a pandemic, several social distancing measures are used, including the closing of schools and workplaces, isolation, quarantine, restricting movement of people and the cancellation of mass gatherings (Johnson et. al., 2020; Kinlaw & Levine, 2007).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter covers the methodology of this study. Key issues discussed includes; data collection, sampling technique, instrument for data collection, method of data analysis among others.
Research Design
The research design used for this study is survey. It is used as an assessment tool to provide information on which to base sound decisions. It also serves as a foundation for more investigation. The data gathered in a survey are usually answers to predetermined questions that are asked of respondents. This research method was adopted because it offers opportunity for the collation of facts and information from a wide spectrum of respondents without much expense, hence it is expedient for this research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
Introduction
In this chapter, the researcher tends to deal with the analysis and presentation of data collected in the course of this project. A total of 400 copies of questionnaire were administered in the area under study and 372 copies were retrieved from the respondents. This represents 93% return rate.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
This chapter deals with the summary of this study, conclusions from the findings and recommendations which can be used for policy making.
Summary
This study investigate the impact of social distancing and frequent hand washing in reducing the spread of corona virus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria. The study is in five chapters. In the first chapter, a general background of the study was undertaken. In view of the background, the problems of study were identified and stated, the research questions, the objective, scope and significant of the study were outline and discussed. Finally in the first chapter is the definition of key concepts used in the study.
Chapter two contains the review of various literatures on the concept of the impact of social distancing and frequent hand washing in reducing the spread of corona virus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria. This involves various definitions of social distancing, Hand washing, Nigeria case of COVID-19. Also in the second chapter is the empirical and theoretical reviews, theory use as a basis for this study (The infectious disease transmission mechanism theory) was found best for this study.
In the third chapter of this work, the research design, population of study, sample size, sampling techniques, instrument for data collection, method of data collection, validity/reliability of instrument and method of data analysis were all discussed.
In the fourth chapter, data collected (primary) were presented and analysed to answer the research questions. Based on the various findings, the two questions were answered. After the analysis, the findings are as follows:
- The level of coronavirus disease in Nigeria is average.
- Social distancing and frequent hand washing can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
Conclusion
This study has underscored the impact of social distancing and frequent hand washing in reducing the spread of corona virus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria. Findings from this research uncovered that the infectious epidemic has great effect on the smooth operation of Nigeria and social distancing and frequent hand washing can help reduce the spread. This is consistent with the findings of Ugochukwu Uchenna Onyeonoro, Uchechi Chukwudike Ekpemiro, Chuku Abali and Huldah Ijeoma Nwokeukwu (2015) which revealed that the epidemic resulted in increased knowledge of the disease as well as some misconceptions, increase in household and community hygiene practice and change in social interaction between affected individuals and the community. Prompt response by the government, with the support of international partners and proactive engagement of public health measures resulted in the rapid control of the epidemic; an experience the country hopes to leverage upon in subsequent epidemics. This is also consistent with the findings of Kristine M. Smith, Catherine C. Machalaba, Richard Seifman, Yasha Feferholtz, and William B. Karesha, which revealed that beyond the public health impacts of regional or global emerging and endemic infectious disease events lay wider socioeconomic consequences that are often not considered in risk or impact assessments. With rapid and extensive international travel and trade, such events can elicit economic shock waves far beyond the realm of traditional health sectors and original geographical range of a pathogen. While private sector organizations are impacted indirectly by these disease events, they are under-recognized yet effective stakeholders that can provide critical information, resources, and key partnerships to public and private health systems in response to and in preparation for potential infectious disease events and their socioeconomic consequences. This position was further reiterated in the findings of Wuqi Qiu, Cordia Chu, Ayan Mao, and Jing Wu (2018) which corroborate that Epidemics such as SARS and H7N9 have caused huge negative impacts on population health and the economy in China. Aims. Both outbreaks of SARS and H7N9 have had an impact on China, causing significant negative impacts on health, the economy, and even national and even international security. Both SARS coronavirus and H7N9 viruses presented a global epidemic threat, but the social and economic impacts of H7N9 were not as serious as in the case of SARS because the response to H7N9 was more effective.
Thus, in the light of the foregoing, this study reliably concludes that social distancing and frequent hand washing can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Recommendations
On the strength of the observations and findings made in this study the following recommendations have been made.
- Measures should be devised to curb the spread of the virus and vaccine created so as to prevent further spread of the virus.
- Social distancing and frequent hand washing should be observed by every individuals, and proper hygiene should be ensured.
Limitations to the Study
The study faced some constraints. They include insufficient literature material, financial constraint, time constraint, location of the case study. However findings and recommendation is made valuable for policy implementation.
Suggestions for Further Studies
This study has researched on the impact of social distancing and frequent hand washing in reducing the spread of corona virus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria. Further research can be done on the following:
- Ensuring proper hygiene to curb the spread of COVID-19.
- The use of hand sanitizers in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
REFERENCES
- “Information About Social Distancing” (PDF). www.cidrap.umn.edu. Public Health Department: Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System. 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2020-03-27. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
- Blomfield S. F. & Nath K. J. (2009) Use of ash and mud for handwashing in low income communities. The International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene Accessed Oct. 2014 http://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/best-practice-review/use-ash-and-mud-handwashing-low-income-communities
- Butz A. M., Laughon B. E., Gullette D. L. & Larson E. L. (1990). “Alcohol-impregnated wipes as an alternative in hand hygiene”. American Journal of Infection Control. 18 (2): 70–76. doi:10.1016/0196-6553(90)90084-6. PMID 2337257.
- CDC (2016) “Infection Control: Frequently Asked Questions – Hand Hygiene”. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
- CDC (2018) “Preventing Norovirus Infection”. www.cdc.gov. 9 March 2018. Retrieved 17 May 2018.
- CDC (2019) “When and How to Wash Your Hands”. www.cdc.gov. 4 December 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
