COVID-19 Information and Self-Protective Behaviours among Rural Communities

This study investigates information about COVID-19 and self-protective behaviours among rural communities in Bangladesh. This study was executed using qualitative and quantitative methods of research. It targeted 200 respondents for the survey and 15 key informants for the interview from Jugikhali union parishad, Satkhira district, who were selected through the random sampling method. The researcher used the uses and gratifications theory, cultivation theory, and social learning theory. Additionally, this study examined connections between self-protective behaviours and information about COVID-19, as well as the sources of this information, COVID-19 safety measures and protocols, and challenges that influenced the respondents to use less personal protective equipment. The general findings reveal that rural populations adopted behaviours like handwashing, mask wearing, social distance, social restrictions, and others mostly because they relied on mass media and various government policies for information. Self-protective behaviours and COVID-19 information showed a significant affiliation. COVID-19 information from the media and government was beneficial in educating, motivating, empowering, and persuading rural people to minimize risks and practice self-defense.