COVID-19 Prevention Practices and Associated Factors among Patients with Chronic Diseases in Nekemte Town, Western Oromia, Ethiopia.

Background: Multiple studies have shown that chronic disease patients are at a higher risk of severe illness and worse outcomes if infected with COVID-19. Preventive measures, including vaccination and adherence to public health guidelines, are critical in mitigating disease transmission and preventing severe illness. Despite this, chronic disease patients often display poor prevention practices and vaccine hesitancy. This study assessed the magnitude and factors associated with COVID-19 prevention practices among chronic disease patients in Nekemte Town, Western Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 403 patients with chronic diseases was conducted at outpatient clinics in public hospitals in Nekemte town from May to June 2022. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with COVID-19 prevention practices. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95%CI was used to evaluate the strength of associations, with p-values below 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The magnitude of poor COVID-19 prevention practice was 58.3% (95%CI: 53.5%, 63.1%). Age (18-40 years; AOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.02, 4.20), occupation (Merchant; AOR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.45), and having poor knowledge (AOR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.04, 6.12) were significantly associated with poor COVID-19 prevention practice. Conclusion: The study revealed that 58.3% (95% CI: 53.5%, 63.1%) of chronic disease patients had poor adherence to COVID-19 prevention practices. Factors like age, occupation, and knowledge about COVID-19 were contributors towards poor COVID-19 prevention. Public health authorities should create targeted interventions, including educational campaigns and community outreach, to improve compliance and health outcomes in these groups.