As the pandemic drags on and prevention policies double down in the more deadly second and third waves, change in risk perceptions will be expected as economic and social anxiety increase.
This study assesses the determinants of changes in perceptions of COVID-19 risk and the determinants of adherence to preventive measures in Uganda. First, the authors studied the correlates of adherence to preventive strategies set by the government. Secondly, they assessed the correlates of change in risk perceptions of COVID-19. Using an internet survey, they qualitatively and quantitatively highlight the extent of mostly negative perception changes and adherence to preventive strategies.
Qualitative results show that risk perceptions are also influenced by economic stress, citizens’ level of confidence in the government, local political climate and the extent of proliferation of misinformation about COVID-19.
