Wild meat consumption in zoonotic pandemics in Ghana

ABSTRACT

This study assessed wild meat consumption after the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana using the Health Belief Model framework. Data were collected through a household survey near two important wildlife-protected areas in Ghana. There was less wild meat consumption after the outbreak of COVID-19 than before the outbreak. About half of the respondents (51%) perceived themselves to be susceptible to diseases with proximal wildlife origin. The best model of a stepwise-multiple regression explained 49% of the variance, and three constructs (Perceived Susceptibility, Self-efficacy, and Perceived Seriousness) of the Health Belief Model were significant predictors of wild meat consumption weariness. Behaviour change interventions, based on creating awareness of the health risks of wild meat gathering and consumption, could be helpful in both public health and conservation circles.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• Ghana
• protected areas
• wild meat
• zoonotic diseases

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the A Rocha Ghana office in Kyebi for providing baseline information upon which the study was designed. The authors also thank the village leaders of Ahwenease, Sagyimase, Saaman, Akwadum, Dompem, Larabanga, Senyon, Kananto, Grupe, and Kabampe, for permitting the research to be conducted in their communities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.