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

Yutong Li, Guangqi Liu, Robert Okia Egolet, Runqing Yang, Yangmu Huang and Zhijie Zheng
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Yutong Li: Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
Guangqi Liu: Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, 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
Zhijie Zheng: Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 8, 1-11

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.

Keywords: KAP; challenge; infodemic; LMIC; COVID-19; Malawi (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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