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

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Listed:
  • Yutong Li

    (Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
    Institute for Global Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Guangqi Liu

    (Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
    Institute for Global Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Robert Okia Egolet

    (Global Health Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Health Sciences, Peking University, P.O. Box 166, Lilongwe 265, Malawi)

  • Runqing Yang

    (Department of Economics, HSBC Business School, Peking University, University Town, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China)

  • Yangmu Huang

    (Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
    Institute for Global Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Zhijie Zheng

    (Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
    Institute for Global Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Yutong Li & Guangqi Liu & Robert Okia Egolet & Runqing Yang & Yangmu Huang & Zhijie Zheng, 2021. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to COVID-19 Among Malawi Adults: A Community-Based Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4090-:d:535135
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    1. Behnam Honarvar & Kamran B. Lankarani & Ali Kharmandar & Fatemeh Shaygani & Mohammadhassan Zahedroozgar & Mohammad Reza Rahmanian Haghighi & Sulmaz Ghahramani & Hossein Honarvar & Mohammad Mehdi Darya, 2020. "Knowledge, attitudes, risk perceptions, and practices of adults toward COVID-19: a population and field-based study from Iran," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 65(6), pages 731-739, July.
    2. Jethro Banda & Albert Dube & Sarah Brumfield & Abena Amoah & Amelia Crampin & Georges Reniers & Stephane Helleringer, 2021. "Knowledge, risk perceptions, and behaviors related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 44(20), pages 459-480.
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