Preparedness of the Local Community in the Fight Against COVID-19 in Dodoma Urban, Tanzania

Abstract

Since its outbreak in late December 2019, COVID-19 has brought a state of fear, panic, insecurity and a high level of uncertainty to the whole population of the world. Amid these uncertainties, governments and international organizations across the world, have adopted various measures against its spread; such measures have depended on the nature and severity of the disease and the suitable approach adopted by each particular country. This study assessed the preparedness of the local community in the fight against COVID-19 in Dodoma Urban, Tanzania. Data were collected through a questionnaire from 100 respondents who were coincidentally selected. We analyzed data through descriptive statics and Binary Logistic Regression. The overall results show that the majority of respondents (53.68%) were well prepared to curb COVID-19. Nevertheless about 46% of the respondents were inadequately prepared. In order to curb the spread of the disease in Dodoma urban, the study recommend that the local community should consistently adhere to government directives, keep informed of the situation, and respond appropriately to protect themselves, their families, and others against the deadly corona virus disease.