Misconception of Science and Traditional Beliefs on Covid-19 and Hepatitis B among a Cross-Section of the People of Northern Region-Ghana
Abdallah Salifu 
, Robert Akayim Awasina & Nimatu H. Musah
Issue: Vol.6 No.12 Article 5 pp. 2950 – 2964
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256125 | Published online 11th November, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
The study aimed to assess the science and the traditional beliefs of the people on COVID-19 and Hepatitis B among a cross-section of Ghanaian communities to provide a foundation for more education on diseases in the country. The study was limited to five communities in the Tamale Metropolis, Northern Region. The research design used was quantitative, specifically a descriptive survey, and relevant data were collected through primary and secondary sources using an interview guide with a randomly sampled population of 500 people: 250 males and 250 females. The data was analyzed using a descriptive approach. The results indicated that 20% females did not believe in the existence of the COVID-19 virus and did not observe any safety measures, 20% remained neutral. For hepatitis B,76% percent of the females believed in the existence of the virus, yet only 48% took the vaccine; thus, the female population also contributed to the increased infection among the population, but not as seen in their male counterparts, with 60 % who failed to take the vaccine against the disease. The hope here is that some people did not believe in the existence of these diseases, and yet they saw the need to observe at least one of the safety protocols in both cases. People all over the world need more education on diseases and their preventive measures, as well as protective laws. This study serves as a tool for advocacy and sensitisation to intensify education on diseases, particularly the deadly Covid-19 and Hepatitis B, and to recognise and support relevant laws that may be established to protect the elderly in society.
Keywords: Covid-19, Hepatitis, Science, Traditional Belief, Northern Ghana
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Dr. Abdallah Salifu was a science tutor at Tamale College of Education from 2008 to 2021. He is currently the Vice Principal of Gambaga College of Education, North East Region, Ghana. He attended the University of Cape Coast for his first degree, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in Kumasi, for his second degree and University for Development Studies, Tamale, for his terminal degree(PhD). His research interests lie in the areas of physics, chemistry, environmental science and other science-related disciplines.
Robert Akayim Awasina is a dedicated Assistant lecturer in the Department of Science at the Gambaga College of Education. With a strong academic background, he brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to the lecture hall. He has completed his PhD thesis in Innovation Communication, University for Development Studies, Tamale-Ghana (2025), currently waiting for graduation. He obtained an MPhil in Innovation Communication and a BSc. Agriculture Technology, from the University for Development Studies, Tamale-Ghana in 2015 and 2006, respectively. He has a research interest in the Social Sciences.
Dr. Nimatu Haruna Musah is a lecturer at the Tamale College of Education, Tamale, Ghana, West Africa. She has a PhD in horticulture. She is currently Head of Department for Science. She has research interests in Agriculture Science, Integrated Science and other science-related disciplines.
Salifu, Abdallah, Robert Akayim Awasina, and Nimatu H. Musah.“ Misconception of Science and Traditional Beliefs on Covid-19 and Hepatitis B among a Cross-Section of the People of Northern Region-Ghana.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 12 (2025): 2950 – 2964, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256125.
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
