Examining the perceptions and behaviors of Gambian adults in response to COVID-19 social mitigation strategies

The objective of this study was to examine the perceptions and behaviors of Gambian adults in response to COVID-19 social mitigation strategies. An online survey of 200 respondents was conducted. The survey inquired about respondents´ motivation to comply with a social distancing strategy and their ability to adopt 3 recommended social distancing strategies (avoiding public transport without wearing facemask, avoiding public gatherings and self-isolation). Respondents were also asked about the level of trust they had in the information about COVID-19 from the government and their confidence in the handling of the COVID-19 situation by the authorities. Fifty two percent (52%) of respondents reported that they would be motivated to comply with a social distancing strategy because they believed it is the right thing to do. Avoiding public transport without wearing facemask (n=154, 78.9%), followed by avoiding public gatherings (n=143, 73.3%) were considered to have high to very high capacity to adopt ratings among respondents. Whereas, only (n=132, 68.7%) thought that their ability to self-isolate, would be high to very high. Only (n=87, 44.2%) stated that they have high to very high level of trust in the information about COVID-19 from the government. The rest, (n=110, 55.8%) ranked their trust level as intermediate, low, very low or don´t know. Majority of respondents (n=114, 58.7%) disagreed to strongly disagreed that the authorities are doing a good job in handling the COVID-19 situation. These findings can be used to improve adoption of COVID-19 mitigation strategies and ensure trust and confidence in response efforts.