Work

Community acceptability of public health measures during the coronavirus pandemic in Malawi: a cross-sectional survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of people during the coronavirus pandemic are pivotal to the uptake of recommended preventative strategies. Objective: This paper describes the Malawian KAP related to coronavirus and associated public health measures. Methods: This was a multi-site cross-sectional survey where data was collected through personal one-on-one interviews in nine Malawian districts over 3 weeks (5-25 October 2020). 521 participants (>18 years) were enrolled to answer a questionnaire. Results: We found that all respondents were aware of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic with the majority using the Radio. 75% of participants displayed knowledge of all key symptoms of coronavirus disease (cough, fever, and shortness of breath) and additionally, the majority of participants (97%) knew enough to take some sort of intervention (calling a hotline or visiting the nearest hospital) if they developed symptoms. Participants also demonstrated a high perception of the risk of coronavirus, where >60% believed to be susceptible to the coronavirus under the current preventative measures, and >50% believed they would die from the infection. Communities displayed a high perceived effectiveness of all preventative measures, with "hand hygiene using soap and water" being perceived as effective by the majority of respondents. Although the majority of the participants (>80%) were willing to self-isolate at home, various barriers to home isolation were raised which would ultimately influence their ability to do so. Conclusions: Baseline community psychosocial and behavioral information which influence the adoption of public health measures in Malawi has been highlighted alongside recommendations for best practices.

Source: Journal of Public Health in Africa

DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2314

Authors: Ronald Chitatanga, Hussein H. Twabi, Clara Sambani, Collins Mitambo

Institutions: Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health

Language: English

Topic: COVID-19 Prevention and Impact

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $431