PERSONAL SENSITIVITY, SELF-MEDICATION, MASK USAGE, AND COVID-19 SYMPTOMS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICANS

Objective: The study objective was to explore the episode of COVID-19 symptoms among sub-Saharan African (SSA) by examining the predicting effect of mask usage, self-medication, and personal sensitivity on the symptoms. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study in the SSA population, 536 individuals were asked about the episode of COVID-19 symptoms, personal sensitivity, mask usage, and self-medication. "Hierarchical multiple linear regression statistical method" was used to evaluate the data. Results: The personal sensitivity (r=0.245<0.01), taking off face mask in enclosed public places (r=0.255<0.01) and self -medication (r=0.392<0.01) were positively associated with COVID-19 symptoms. Overall, the total predictive effect of self-medication, taking off the mask in public spaces, and personal sensitivity accounted for 21% of the variance in the episode of COVID-19 symptoms of the study population. Conclusion: Personal sensitivity, mask usage, and self -medication support understanding of the episode of COVID-19 symptoms experienced among the study population. It is important to encourage the use of masks in high-risk areas. To improve post-COVID-19 health policies, self-medication used to decrease the risk of COVID-19 infection and other related public health concerns should be reduced.