biostudies-literatureUnknown17(4)Niba Rawlings N<h4>Background</h4>This study explored students' perceptions of COVID-19 risks and preventive measures and assessed the impacts of the national lockdown on students in Uganda.<h4>Methods</h4>A web-based survey was conducted to explore students' perceived risks of COVID-19 and preventive measures; sources of COVID-19 information and impacts of the lockdown. Both undergraduate and post-graduate students (n = 398) participated in the study. Data were analysed using IBM-SPSS-26.<h4>Results</h4>Students acknowledged COVID-19 as a health risk, and their preventive behaviours were influenced by age, gender, marital status and living situation. Most students followed face mask guidelines but did not comply with lockdown restrictions. Social distancing was not always possible due to overcrowding. SPloS onee0266249https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8979440biostudies-literaturePerceived risks of COVID-19, attitudes towards preventive guidelines and impact of the lockdown on students in Uganda: A cross-sectional study.PMC8979440Musisi JAwanchiri KNduhukyire LNgongalah LNiba Rawlings NAkwah EAKakeeto REmalieu DBabirye RfalsePerceived risks of COVID-19, attitudes towards preventive guidelines and impact of the lockdown on students in Uganda: A cross-sectional study.<h4>Background</h4>This study explored students' perceptions of COVID-19 risks and preventive measures and assessed the impacts of the national lockdown on students in Uganda.<h4>Methods</h4>A web-based survey was conducted to explore students' perceived risks of COVID-19 and preventive measures; sources of COVID-19 information and impacts of the lockdown. Both undergraduate and post-graduate students (n = 398) participated in the study. Data were analysed using IBM-SPSS-26.<h4>Results</h4>Students acknowledged COVID-19 as a health risk, and their preventive behaviours were influenced by age, gender, marital status and living situation. Most students followed face mask guidelines but did not comply with lockdown restrictions. Social distancing was not always possible due to overcrowding. S2022-01-01T00:00:00Z20222025-04-04T19:10:20.735Z2025-04-04T19:10:20.735ZS-EPMC89794403537791810.1371/journal.pone.0266249