Beliefs, Perceptions, and Attitudes of Populations Toward the Covid-19 Pandemic in West Africa: A Qualitative Study in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

This paper explores beliefs and perceptions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as response activities, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Since December 2019, Côte d'Ivoire, as well as the rest of the world, is facing a Covid-19 pandemic. To respond to this situation, the Ivorian government has implemented several population measures, such as physical distancing, hand washing, containment and mask wearing, to limit the spread of the disease in the country. The adherence of the population to the public health recommendations will ensure the effectiveness of these measures in limiting the spread of the virus. People's attitudes towards a contagious disease are often influenced by their beliefs and perceptions of the disease in question, as well as their trust in the authorities. The article is based on a qualitative study including interviews conducted with approximately 50 people from different social groups across the city of Abidjan, during the initial months of the Covid-19 pandemic in Côte d'Ivoire. In addition, information on Covid-19 in the local and international media has been collected to deepen our reflection. The results show that, while some people adhere to the health measures and recommendations proposed by the authorities and apply them, others are more skeptical and even deny the existence of Covid-19.  The paper further shows that skepticism negatively affects people’s different attitudes and behaviors regarding compliance with social and public health measures. By exploring the reality in the ground, it also shows that knowing about preventive measures does not automatically mean accepting and implementing them.