CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The COVID-19 disease is characterized by its high contagiousness and rapid spread. It is caused by a viral pathogen called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The term "coronavirus" derives from the Latin word "corona," meaning crown, which describes the appearance of the virus particles resembling round structures with projections resembling the solar corona when observed under an electron microscope (Cascella et al., 2022; Dhar Chowdhury and Oommen, 2020).
Emerging in Wuhan City, Hubei province, China on December 8, 2019, COVID-19 has had a devastating global impact. With over 6 million deaths worldwide, it is regarded as the most significant global health crisis since the influenza pandemic of 1918 (Younes et al., 2020; Cascella et al., 2022).
The World Health Organization (WHO) received information about COVID-19 on December 31, 2019. It was later declared a global health emergency by the WHO on January 30, 2020, and officially designated as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. This marked the first time since 2009, when the H1N1 influenza was declared a pandemic, that such a classification had been made (Cennimo, 2023). Since its classification as a global pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19, has spread to 223 countries. To date, there have been over 593 million reported cases and more than 6 million deaths worldwide.
Despite the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination efforts worldwide, there is currently no effective treatment available for the disease. Vaccination is considered a crucial measure in preventing and controlling COVID-19, playing a significant role in managing the global epidemic. However, even with widespread vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate. Like other vaccines, the protective efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines diminishes over time after completing the vaccination process.
According to a meta-analysis conducted by Feikin et al. (2022), the effectiveness of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection declines by 21% from one month to six months after initial vaccination. However, studies by Zeng et al. (2022) and Zhou et al. (2022)have shown that administering booster doses results in higher levels of antibodies in the recipient's body, offering enhanced protection against the virus. Consequently, many countries are currently implementing booster dose strategies to improve overall immunization rates among their populations.
The ongoing COVID-19 epidemic is characterized by the continuous and rapid mutation of SARS-CoV-2. As of August 13, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified five variants of concern (VOCs): Alpha (identified on December 18, 2020), Beta (identified on December 18, 2020), Gamma (identified on January 11, 2021), Delta (identified on May 11, 2021), and Omicron (identified on November 26, 2021) (WHO, 2022). Currently, the dominant strain driving the global outbreak has shifted from the Delta variant to the Omicron variant.
Compared to the previously prevalent Delta variant, the Omicron variant exhibits a higher number of key mutations, with up to 32 mutations in the spike protein. Some of these mutations may be associated with evading the immune response and increased infectivity. However, overall, the Omicron variant is associated with milder symptoms and significantly fewer cases of severe hospitalization or death compared to previous variants.
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Africa was reported on February 14, 2020, and it subsequently spread to the rest of sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria recorded its first case of the COVID-19 virus on February 27, 2020, when an Italian citizen who arrived in Nigeria on a business trip tested positive in Lagos (Achinewhu-Nworgu et al., 2015).
On March 9, 2020, a second case of the virus was reported in Ogun State, located in the South West region of Nigeria. From January 3, 2020, to 12:14 pm CEST, July 12, 2023, a total of 266,675 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 3,155 deaths have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). As of March 19, 2023, a total of 116,606,863 vaccine doses have been administered (WHO, 2023).
In response to this global crisis, education plays a crucial role in disseminating accurate information and raising awareness about preventive measures, symptoms, testing, and vaccination. Scientific societies in developed countries have focused their research and reports on the effects, causes, and steps to mitigate widespread casualties resulting from possible re-emergence of the virus (Wu and McGoogan, 2020). However, the challenges of misinformation and lack of awareness have hindered efforts to control the virus's spread.
Jogwu (2010) noted that a significant number of Nigerian citizens lack information, which affects their perception and response to social media posts. The emotional anguish resulting from the consequences and apprehension of such information can be likened to an alternative form of virus. The government has not made definitive statements about these cases, suggesting that there may be undisclosed cases.
Consequently, potential cases are being shared via social media platforms. The widespread circulation of false information exacerbates the situation, leaving a large portion of the population uninformed about genuine strategies to mitigate the virus's transmission. Recently, an unidentified social media post falsely claimed that China had supplied 2 million infected masks to Africa, leading to a warning from the WHO for Africa to prepare for the worst. Such misinformation has the potential to mislead people and undermine government efforts to contain the virus.
Community pharmacists (CPs) are healthcare professionals responsible for optimizing medication use and improving patient outcomes and quality of life (Yousuf et al., 2019). They are often the first point of contact for patients seeking consultation or treatment for common ailments, thanks to their accessibility and welcoming atmosphere (Yousuf et al., 2019). In rural areas where there is a shortage of physicians and trained nurses, CPs serve as the sole healthcare providers (Yousuf et al., 2019; Erku and Mersha, 2017).
Being situated within communities, CPs play a crucial role in bridging gaps in health programs and enhancing the delivery of disease prevention services (Erku and Mersha, 2017). They act as entry points and linkages for patients to the broader healthcare system. Numerous studies have highlighted the contributions of CPs to public health, including their involvement in health promotion and education, patient counseling, self-training on disease management, and emergency response during disasters (Erku and Mersha, 2017).
Literature presents compelling evidence of the significant improvement in the number of vaccinated individuals through the empowerment of CPs in community-based immunization programs. These programs have successfully reduced the incidence of influenza, pneumococcal disease, and herpes zoster infection (Wang et al., 2013; Demicheli et al., 2018). In the COVID-19 context, it is therefore needful that CPs get actively engaged. Thus, this study aims to explore and highlight the roles of community pharmacists in bridging the education gap for COVID-19 in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a significant challenge in Nigeria, with a widespread education gap regarding the virus, its transmission, prevention, and vaccination. This knowledge gap contributes to misinformation, low adherence to preventive measures, and vaccine hesitancy among the population. Addressing this problem is crucial to effectively curbing the spread of COVID-19 and minimizing its impact on public health in Nigeria.
Community pharmacists, being highly accessible healthcare professionals, play a vital role in the COVID-19 response. Their contributions have resulted in substantial transformations within the health systems of numerous countries (Hedima et al., 2021). However, there may be a lack of recognition and utilization of their expertise and resources by policymakers and healthcare organizations. By leveraging the expertise of community pharmacists, this study aims to provide insights into strategies that can effectively bridge the education gap and empower the Nigerian population in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
1.3 Aim of the Study
This study aims to examine the roles of community pharmacists in bridging the education gap for COVID-19 in Nigeria.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study are as follows:
- To identify the current level of knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 among the general population in Nigeria.
- To examine the roles and activities of community pharmacists in bridging the education gap for COVID-19 in Nigeria.
1.5 Research Questions
To achieve the objectives of this study, the following research questions will be addressed:
- What is the current level of knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 among the general population in Nigeria?
- What are the roles and activities of community pharmacists in bridging the education gap for COVID-19 in Nigeria?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
H0: Community Pharmacists do not play significant roles in bridging the education gap for COVID-19 in Nigeria.
Ha: Pharmacists play significant roles in bridging the education gap for COVID-19 in Nigeria.
1.7 Justification of the study
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a significant threat to public health in Nigeria. Bridging the education gap and ensuring accurate information dissemination is crucial to controlling the spread of the virus, promoting preventive measures, and increasing vaccine acceptance. Understanding the roles of community pharmacists in this process can contribute to improved public health outcomes.
Community pharmacists are often trusted sources of healthcare information within local communities. They have regular interactions with patients and can play a pivotal role in providing accurate information, addressing concerns, and dispelling myths. This study will shed light on how community pharmacists can effectively bridge the education gap and build trust among the public.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The study aims to explore the roles of community pharmacists in educating the general population about COVID-19. The study focuses specifically on Nigeria, considering its unique context, healthcare system, and challenges related to COVID-19. The findings and recommendations may not be directly applicable to other countries or regions, as they may have different healthcare systems, cultural norms, and levels of health literacy. The target population includes individuals seeking healthcare services from community pharmacies and the general public who may benefit from the educational efforts of community pharmacists.
