Face Mask Use Among Commercial Drivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Accra, Ghana

Agyemang, Ernest; Agyei-Mensah, Samuel; Kyere-Gyeabour, Elvis · 2021 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1007/s10900-021-01004-0

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Summary

This study investigates the perceptions of vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 among urban commercial drivers in Accra, Ghana, and how these perceptions influence their personal use of face masks and their enforcement of masking protocols for passengers. The research was motivated by the high risk of virus transmission in overcrowded, informal public transport systems in Africa and the need to understand the behavioral drivers behind mitigation compliance. Using the Health Belief Model as a conceptual framework, the authors aimed to identify determinants of mask usage to inform targeted public health interventions. The researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey between September 7 and 11, 2020, collecting primary data from 500 intra-urban commercial drivers across five major public transport terminals in Accra. Participants were purposively sampled, with quotas assigned to each site. The survey instrument measured compliance with mask-wearing, perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, and socio-demographic characteristics. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics, employing descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, Pearson correlation coefficients, and binary logistic regression to test the influence of demographic and psychological factors on masking behavior. Results indicated that while 93% of drivers perceived themselves as susceptible to COVID-19 in March 2020, this perception dropped significantly by the time of the survey, though 92.4% reported consistent mask use. Older drivers, particularly those aged 55 and above, demonstrated the highest compliance, with 100% reporting consistent mask use. Logistic regression revealed that driver operator type and insistence by car owners or transport unions were significant predictors of personal mask use; trotro drivers were 5.45 times more likely to mask up than taxi drivers. Furthermore, 91% of drivers insisted that passengers and mates wear masks. This enforcement behavior was significantly predicted by age, pressure from family and friends, and employer insistence. Drivers aged 25–39 were 17 times less likely to enforce masking than those over 55. The primary motivation for masking was personal and familial safety (94%), followed by government directives and fear of prosecution. The study concludes that socio-demographic factors and the desire to protect loved ones are critical determinants of mask use. The authors highlight a compliance gap among younger drivers (18–39 years), who often perceive themselves as immune. Consequently, they recommend that public awareness campaigns strategically target this younger demographic. Additionally, the study emphasizes the necessity of strengthening collaborative efforts between state actors and non-state entities, such as transport operator unions, to sustain mitigation gains and ensure consistent adherence to health protocols in public transport systems.

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• public messaging