Introduction: COVID-19 is a current health concern in the world People applying the prevention methods of COVID-19 are vital determinants of curbing the spread of the coronavirus This study aimed to assess the practices and associated factors of the COVID-19 preventive measures among Dire Dawa residents

Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional mixed method was used We conducted the study between June 15th and July 15th , 2020 The subjects of the study were selected by using systematic random sampling We collected data through face-to-face and in-depth interviews Both bivariate and multiple logistic regression were employed to determine the predictor variables with the practice of COVID-19 prevention measures Thematic content analysis analyzed qualitative data

Results: The practice of COVID-19 preventive measures was 40 7% (95% CI : 37-44 4 %) Being female [AOR= 1 8; 95% CI : 1 17-2 72], married [AOR=2 75; 95% CI : 1 68-4 48], family income & gt; 10,000 Ethiopia birr [AOR=7 3; 95% CI : 3 8-13 9], having history of a chronic disease [AOR=3 46 (1 69 , 7 08) ], not chewing khat [AOR= 2 15; 95% CI : 1 1-4 2], had a good knowledge about COVID-19 [AOR=5 23; 95% CI : 3-9], and had a favorable attitude about COVID-19 [AOR=3 87; 95% CI : 2 4-6 14] were significantly associated with practice of COVID-19 preventive measures The qualitative result revealed the communities are not willingly practicing prevention measures because of carelessness and ignorant of the consequences of COVID-19, and some communities believed that COVID-19 is not a real pandemic rather government uses it merely to gain political profit Conclusion: The proportion of practice of COVID-19 preventive measures was low Sex, marital status, income, history of chronic disease, history of khat chewing, knowledge, and attitude about COVID-19 were associated factors with COVID-19 preventive practices The communities were not practicing the COVID-19 prevention method because of poor knowledge and a negative attitude