AUTHOR=Amoo Olufemi Samuel , Tijani Bosun , Onuigbo Tochukwu Ifeanyi , Oraegbu Joy Isioma , Kareithi Dorcas Njeri , Obi Josephine Chioma , Adeniji Esther Temilade , Dosunmu Adenike Aderonke , Karera Steven , Filani Temi , Akinreni Temidayo , Ezike Emmanuella , Owoseni Kehinde , Audu Rosemary Ajuma , Salako Babatunde Lawal 

TITLE=Factors Affecting COVID-19 Testing Behaviours Among the Population in South Western Nigeria

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=67

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2022.1604993

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2022.1604993

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objectives:</bold> The objective of this study was to assess the factors affecting testing behaviours amongst the population in Ondo and Lagos States.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> A cross-sectional study involving 704 individuals who were considered eligible for COVID-19 testing in 4 local governments in Lagos (307) and Ondo (397) states in Nigeria, was conducted from April-June 2021. Respondents were selected using simple random sampling. A close-ended questionnaire was administered using a digital survey platform known as SurveyCTO. Data were analyzed using R 4.1.0.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> In Lagos state, 52.4% were females, 47.2% were males while in Ondo, 55.2% were females, 44.6% were male. Chi-square tests of association revealed that socio demographic factors significantly associated with testing patterns was education level in Lagos, and none in Ondo. Testing behavior associated with testing patterns included awareness of nearby COVID-19 testing centers, internet access, knowledge of preexisting conditions and having another member of the family testing positive at 5% significance level.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> Knowledge of pre-existing conditions, knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, and knowing where to go when having symptoms were significantly associated with testing and willingness to test.</p>