Handling Distrust on Risk Communication in Nigeria: A Strategy to Strengthening the COVID-19 Outbreak Response

Background: This study aimed to assess the level of trust in the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk communication efforts in Nigeria. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among community members aged 15 years and above in Ondo State in October, 2020. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies. Trust was ranked from "1" suggesting "Low level of trust" to "7" denoting "High level of trust". We conducted Chi-square test between respondents' level of trust in the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and socio-demographic characteristics. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 691 respondents, 244 (35.3%) were aged 21 to 29 years, and 304 (51.4%) accessed COVID-19 information through the NCDC. Overall, 205 (41.8%) had high level of trust in the NCDC, and 51 (51.5%) individuals aged 30-39 years had high level of trust in the NCDC (chi(2) = 17.455; p = 0.001). Also, 114 (48.5%) persons who lived with children below 18 years had high level of trust in the NCDC (chi(2) = 8.266; p = 0.004). Conclusion: Policy-makers should prioritize the involvement of young and educated persons in COVID-19 risk communication strategies.