Camp-Based Refugees' Adherence to the COVID-19 Protocols at the Peak and Post-Peak of the Pandemic in Two Camps in Ghana

The conditions of camp-based refugees expose them to rapid spread of infectious diseases. Thus, this study examined camp-based refugees' adherence to the COVID-19 protocols at the peak and post-peak of the pandemic in Ghana. The data for the analysis were collected between 29th July and 6th August 2021 in two camps in Ghana. It covered 763 refugees aged 15 years and above. Logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of low adherence at the peak and post-peak. Adherence to the protocols was high at the peak but declined substantially at the post-peak. At the peak, loss of livelihood was the only challenge significantly associated with low adherence. However, at the post-peak, inability to access nose/face masks, poverty, and loss of livelihood were significantly associated with low adherence. The findings suggest that preventive measures to curb infectious diseases in camps should not only focus on the peak but also on the post-peak.

Automated summary

This study examined the adherence of camp-based refugees in Ghana to COVID-19 protocols during the peak and post-peak of the pandemic. The findings showed that adherence was high during the peak but declined significantly during the post-peak. Factors such as loss of livelihood, inability to access nose/face masks, and poverty were associated with low adherence at the post-peak. The study highlights the importance of continuing preventive measures beyond the peak of the pandemic.