Perspectives on factors influencing transmission of COVID-19 in Zambia: a qualitative study of health workers and community members

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the health professionals’ and community members’ perspectives on the factors influencing transmission of the novel COVID-19 in Zambia.DesignAn exploratory qualitative study using in-depth interviews as data collection technique.SettingFour primary healthcare facilities and local communities of Lusaka city and Chirundu international border town under Lusaka province, Zambia.ParticipantsPurposive sampling of 60 study participants comprising health professionals (n=15) and community members (n=45). Health staff were health inspectors and surveillance officers. Community members included public market traders, civic and religious leaders, immigration officers, bus and international truck drivers.ResultsBoth health professionals and community members were aware of the COVID-19 pandemic, the preventive and control measures. Nevertheless, stark differences were observed on the two groups’ perspectives on COVID-19 and the factors influencing its transmission. Most health staff expressed high personal risk and susceptibility to the disease and a positive attitude towards the prevention and control measures. Conversely, myths and misconceptions influenced most community members’ perspectives on the disease and their attitude towards the COVID-19 guidelines. Participants were unanimous on the low levels of adherence to the COVID-19 preventive and control measures in the community. Reasons for non-adherence included limited information on COVID-19, negative attitude towards COVID-19 guidelines, social movement and travel patterns, networks and interactions, living and work conditions, water and sanitation facilities, and observation of behaviours of important role models such as politicians and other community leaders. These factors were perceived to increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.ConclusionThese findings highlight important factors influencing transmission of COVID-19 in Zambia. Future interventions should focus on providing information to mitigate myths and misconceptions, increasing people’s risk perception to the disease, and improving attitude towards the prevention and control interventions and mitigating structural and socioeconomic barriers.

Knowledge and Attitudes towards COVID-19 Prevention Measures among Residents of Lusaka District in Zambia

“…The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 was thought to be linked to a lack of knowledge and non-adherence to the prevention measures required to contain it (Lufungulo et al, 2021;Sialubanje et al, 2022). To this effect, measures were targeted at educating the public on preventive measures such as the frequent wearing face masks, especially in public places, washing hands adequately with soap and running water, hand sanitising with alcohol-based hand sanitisers, physical and social distancing, and staying at home (Guner et al, 2020;Mwila et al, 2021;Talic et al, 2021).…”

“…We speculate that the increased number of cases in Zambia could be linked to nonadherence to the stipulated preventive measures, although this hypothesis has never been tested. Non-adherence to prevention measures due to work and living conditions, water and sanitation challenges, social movements, networks and interactions, and negative atttitudes has contributed to an increase in the number of cases in Zambia (Sialubanje et al, 2022).…”

Perspectives on the COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a qualitative study of community members and health workers in Zambia

“…3 To prevent further spread of the virus and increased mortality in the country, the Zambian government enacted the public health statutory instrument number 22, 4 5 which instituted preventive and control measures—restricting social gatherings (ie, work places, church services, weddings, kitchen parties, casinos, funerals), local and international travel, and closing public institutions such as schools and markets. 6 In addition, the Zambian government implemented a national mass vaccination campaign 7 following approval of the COVID-19 vaccines in developed countries. 8–10 Initially, the COVID-19 national vaccination programme targeted the health workers and persons aged above 65 years.…”

Knowledge and practices toward COVID-19 among healthcare students: A cross-sectional study at the University of Zambia

“…. travel patterns and social movements, negative attitudes toward COVID-19 guidelines, structural and socioeconomic factors (67). Therefore, addressing these factors is critical in reducing the spread of the disease.…”

“…In Zambia, COVID-19 led to increased morbidity and mortality with some deaths being reported as brought in dead ( 64 – 66 ). Alongside this, there has been low adherence to the COVID-19 prevention measures which could promote spread of the disease ( 20 , 67 ). Additionally, many factors have been reported to affect the adherence to the COVID-19 prevention measure viz a viz limited information on COVID-19, travel patterns and social movements, negative attitudes toward COVID-19 guidelines, structural and socioeconomic factors ( 67 ).…”