ABSTRACTBackgroundThere are limited data on knowledge and behaviors related to COVID–19, and on the adoption of preventive behaviors, in sub-Saharan countries.MethodsBetween April 25th and May 23rd, we contacted 793 individuals aged 18 and older, who previously participated in studies conducted in the Karonga Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in Karonga District, Malawi. During an interview by mobile phone, we ascertained respondents’ sources of information about COVID–19 and we evaluated their knowledge of the transmission and course of SARS-CoV-2/COVID–19. We also asked them to evaluate their own risk of infection and severe illness. Finally, we inquired about the preventive measures they had adopted in response to the pandemic. We describe patterns of knowledge and behaviors among survey respondents, by area of residence (rural vs. urban).ResultsWe interviewed 630 respondents (79.5% response rate) which included 260 men and 370 women. Four hundred and eighty-nine respondents resided in rural areas (77.6%) and 141 resided in urban areas (22.4%). Only one respondent had never heard of COVID–19. Respondents reported on average 4 distinct sources of information about COVID–19. Misconceptions about the modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and about the course and severity of COVID–19, were common. For example, two thirds of respondents believed that everyone with COVID–19 would eventually become severely ill. Increased hand washing and avoiding crowds were the most reported strategies to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Use of face masks was more common among urban residents (22.5%) than among rural residents (5.0%).ConclusionDespite widespread access to information about the COVID–19 pandemic, gaps in knowledge about COVID–19 persist in this population. The adoption of preventive strategies remains limited, possibly due to limited perceived risk of infection among a large fraction of the population.
Disease knowledge, perceived risk, and health behavior engagement among adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease