Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to COVID-19 Among Malawi Adults: A Community-Based Survey

Abstract

Introduction: It is well-recognized that containing COVID-19 successfully is determined by people’s prevention measures which are related to their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This perception has attracted attention in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) due to their fragile health systems and economies. The objective of this study was to understand how residents in Malawi perceived COVID-19, to determine the factors related to KAP. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. A field-based survey was conducted among adult residents in Lilongwe, Malawi. Descriptive statistic, linear regression, the Chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation statistics were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 580 questionnaires were involved. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) scores were 10 (SD = ±3, range: 3–19), 16 (SD = ±4, range: 5–25), and 2 (SD = ±1, range: 0–5), respectively. Lack of money and resources (39%) was the biggest challenge for people who practice prevention measures. Among the participants, the radio (70%) and friends/family (56%) were the main sources of information. A higher economic status was associated with better KAP. Conclusions: A low level of KAP was detected among the population. The people faced challenges regarding a lack of necessary preventive resources and formal information channels. The situation was worse considering vulnerable population who had low economic status. Further all-round health education is urgently needed along with providing adequate health supplies and ensuring proper information management.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Misconceptions towards COVID-19 among Sub-Sahara Africans

“…This low level of practice towards COVID-19 is worrisome as there is a high level of knowledge and Attitude towards COVID-19. This low level of practice is similar to studies in Malawi (Li et al, 2021) and Nigeria (Habib et al, 2021). The majority of the respondents do not wear facemasks always in public.…”

Use of Respiratory Protection Devices by Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…More affluent people are at greater risk because they actively travel and visit places of mass entertainment and sport, but less well-off people are forced to work in person more frequently than remotely and have fewer opportunities to constantly replenish their supply of high-quality personal protective equipment and seek qualified medical care [ 18 ]. In some countries, the low socioeconomic status of the population and the lack of preventive tools and official information channels remain factors that reduce the effectiveness of this protective measure [ 19 ].…”

“…Mass media, including social networks and the official electronic resources of government organizations, have an important role to play here, becoming increasingly relevant in situations of isolation [ 31 ]. It is important to prevent the spread of rumors, myths, and misinformation regarding the current pandemic, especially among people with low socioeconomic status, because such dissemination can have serious consequences for public health [ 19 ]. Some authors recommend paying special attention to information campaigns on COVID-19 aimed at young people—in particular, university students [ 17 ].…”

Analyzing Predictors of Control Measures and Psychosocial Problems Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Eight Countries

“…The following are available online at https://www.mdpi.com/article/ 10.3390/bs11080106/s1, Text: Method (References[47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60]); TableS1: Demographic, education, and professional statistics of participants across different countries.Table S2: p-value for different Chi-Squared Test result with 95% significance. (Significant results are bold).…”

“…The following are available online at , Text: Method (References [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ]); Table S1: Demographic, education, and professional statistics of participants across different countries. Table S2: p-value for different Chi-Squared Test result with 95% significance.…”