Atekem, K, Dixon, R, Nditanchou, R, Makia, CM, Ntsinda, M, Bista, S and Schmidt, E (2022) Reach and Utility of COVID-19 Information and Preventive Measures for Nomadic Populations in Massangam, West Region of Cameroon. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 106 (5). pp. 1491-1497. ISSN 0002-9637

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Abstract

The separation of nomadic pastoralist settlements from settled communities is a well-known challenge to the health system. Difficulties reaching these groups contribute to inequities in their health and impact the spread or control of several diseases. COVID-19 has led to the suspension of many public health interventions in Cameroon, while preventive measures including behavior change communication have been ongoing since the onset of the pandemic. The reach and utility of these campaigns in semi-nomadic population remain unclear. This exploratory qualitative study was conducted in September to October 2020 using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with nomadic camp heads, and their wives to explore their interactions with communication campaigns, awareness, understanding, and acceptance of behavior change messages. The study revealed a general awareness of COVID-19 and its preventive measures and a prevailing belief that they were less at risk because their camps are isolated from the main communities, and the fact that they had never met a COVID-19 case. They perceived that the women were at lower risk because of their limited interaction outside the camps. There was a common concern regarding the transmission of COVID-19 to their cattle. Routes of communication were markets and mosques frequented by men, making access to information limited to or dependent on men. Financial constraints and lack of water were the main barriers affecting the access to and use of COVID-19 prevention measures. There is need for adaptive communication strategies especially tailored to the culture of nomadic pastoralists addressing gender dynamics of this subgroup.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	11 Medical and Health Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Public Health Institute
Publisher:	American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Related URLs:	Author
Date Deposited:	07 Apr 2022 10:58
Last Modified:	11 May 2022 08:30
DOI or ID number:	10.4269/ajtmh.21-0792
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16605

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