Prevalence of Caution Fatigue in Relation to Adherence to COVID-19 Pandemic Safety Guidelines in Kenya

COVID-19 has infected over 132 million people worldwide since its outbreak in China in November 2019, killing at least 2.8 million people. Around the world, the pandemic has had significant health and social - economic consequences. Kenya's government implemented several protective measures in an effort to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these precautions, the corona virus continues to spread at an alarming rate in Kenya. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of caution fatigue in adherence to COVID 19 safety measures in Kenya. The study utilized descriptive survey research design. The study population consisted of 400 respondents who were sampled using quota sampling technique. The data was collected using a questionnaire that was administered through online social media platforms obtaining both quantitative and qualitative data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0, aided in analyzing quantitative data using descriptive statistics namely frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations. Qualitative data was categorized thematically and described using suitable descriptive terms that focused on areas of concern. The analysis paid particular attention to the prevalence of caution fatigue in relation to COVID-19 safety measures. The study established that there is a high prevalence of caution fatigue with regard to COVID-19 safety measures. Men were found to have a higher prevalence of caution fatigue compared to women, in relation to age 20?39 - year group had the highest level of caution fatigue. Respondents working in informal jua kali sector presented higher levels of caution fatigue compared to their counterparts in the formal sector. The study further, established that respondents living in urban areas had higher caution fatigue than those in the rural setting. People who felt less anxious and vulnerable about COVID-19 had higher prevalence of caution fatigue. The study recommends that public vigilance on COVID-19 needs to be reinvigorated and put in place caution fatigue mitigation measures through programs and health awareness campaigns that target people who were found to have high prevalence of caution fatigue. Lastly, there is need to create public awareness on the possible fatigue experience as a psychological response during a pandemic, and suggest ways to cope and deal with physical and mental fatigue so as to enhance personal wellbeing of Kenyan citizens? during this COVID 19 pandemic.