Knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19, prevalene of pre-existing conditions and access to essential resources in Somali IDP camps: a cross sectional study

May 27, 2021

Jude Alawa, Samir Al-Ali, Lucas Walz, Eleanor Wiles, Nikhil Harle, Mohamed Abdullahi Awale, Deqo Mohamed, Kaveh Khoshnood.

BMJ Open

Alawa et al conducted a cross sectional survey among adults living in internally displaced person (IDP) camps in Somali. The survey consisted of demographic information, health profiles, and knowledge of COVID-19. 401 individuals participated in the survey with 86% of the respondents being females with an average of around 32 years old. The study team found that 50% of the participants reported having one or more pr-existing conditions. Furthermore, 50% of the responses surrounding questions about COVID-19 knowledge and perceptions were “I don’t know”. Most respondents cited religious officials (49%) and the radio (57%) as the two major sources from which they gain information about COVID-19. The study provides convincing evidence for the disparities in COVID-19 knowledge and perceptions which can occur in vulnerable communities such as internally displaced person camps.

Alawa J, Al-Ali S, Walz L, et al. Knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19, prevalence of pre-existing conditions and access to essential resources in Somali IDP camps: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2021; 11: e044411.

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