Combating coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in rural areas of Malawi: Factors affecting the fight

BACKGROUND: Owing to their detachment from urban areas, people living in rural areas of Malawi are on the receiving end of health services and socio-economic benefits. The study therefore explored how Malawians living in these areas are adhering to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) containment measures and the factors that affect the COVID-19 fight amongst this population. AIM: The study investigated how the rural population in Malawi adheres to COVID-19 containment measures. SETTING: The study was conducted in two districts in Northern Malawi. METHODS: Data were collected from 263 participants. The chi-square (χ(2)) test was performed to determine the association between demographic variables and COVID-19 prevention practices and factors affecting the COVID-19 fight. RESULTS: Education was significantly associated with wearing of masks (p = 0.01), use of sanitisers (p < 0.01) and practising social distancing (p = 0.07). Monthly income was associated with the use of sanitisers (p < 0.01). Women were more exposed to fake news about COVID-19 (p = 0.09); older people were more likely to disregard COVID-19 containment measures for cultural reasons (p = 0.07); and monthly income was associated with a lack of resources for following COVID-19 containment measures (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Findings show that factors affecting the COVID-19 fight are influenced by various socio-economic factors which should therefore be taken into account in policy planning aiming at controlling the pandemic. CONTRIBUTION: The study provides health stakeholders with a policy direction that enhances better coordination, implementation and monitoring of COVID-19 response and recovery activities in rural areas in Malawi. The findings have implications on controlling current and future communicable diseases; the proposed strategies might be employed in fighting similar current and future pandemics.