Attitude and Adherence to COVID-19 Safety Protocols among Postgraduate Students at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State

Introduction: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has significantly impacted global health, economies, and education, necessitating strict adherence to preventive measures such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing. University students, particularly postgraduates, are a unique population due to their high mobility and frequent social interactions, making them potential vectors for virus transmission. Despite extensive public health campaigns, adherence levels vary based on socio-demographic factors. This study assesses the attitudes and adherence of postgraduate students at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, toward COVID-19 safety protocols, identifying key determinants of compliance.

Objective: This study aims to examine postgraduate students' attitudes toward COVID-19 preventive measures and assess their level of adherence, while analyzing the socio-demographic factors influencing compliance with safety protocols at FUNAAB.

Method of Analysis: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, employing a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire to collect data from 250 postgraduate students selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with descriptive statistics summarizing responses and inferential tests, including chi-square and logistic regression, identifying associations between socio-demographic variables and adherence levels. Attitude was measured using a 12-item Likert scale, while adherence was assessed through an 11-item checklist. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The study found that 59.5% of respondents had positive attitudes toward COVID-19 safety protocols, while 41.2% demonstrated good adherence. Gender was significantly associated with attitude, with females scoring higher than males (p = 0.012). Adherence levels were significantly influenced by marital status (p = 0.039), employment status (p = 0.047), and age (p = 0.014), with older and employed individuals showing greater compliance. Despite high awareness, adherence rates remained suboptimal, suggesting barriers such as misinformation and pandemic fatigue.

Conclusion: The study highlights significant socio-demographic differences in attitudes and adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. While awareness levels were high, actual compliance was influenced by gender, marital status, employment, and age. These findings underscore the need for targeted health education, stricter policy enforcement, and institutional support to improve adherence among postgraduate students. Addressing these gaps can enhance preparedness for future public health emergencies.