Exploring factors that affect the uptake of COVID-19 preventive measures among adults aged 18 and above in Zomba rural
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Date
2022-07-13
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Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Type of the study: This is a qualitative grounded theory study that will use in-depth
interviews and key informants interviews to collect data. The study will be used in order to
investigate factors that affect the uptake of COVID-19 preventive measures.
Problem: COVID-19 pandemic is the latest crucial global health crisis and a leading cause of
morbidity and mortality rate among the high risk population. The confirmed cases worldwide
are more than 307. 9 Million and deaths over 5.5 Million People around the world. Malawi
has registered more than 79,000 confirmed cases and over 2,400 deaths from April 2,
2020.Zomba district is fourth highest with more than 3000 cases and over 110 deaths.
However, studies done in Africa including Malawi reported that the majority of rural
populations are not complying with COVID-19 preventive measures. Hence there is need to
investigate factors that contribute to low uptake of COVID-19 measures in order to find out
the reasons.
Objective: The main objective is to investigate the factors that affect the uptake of COVID-
19 preventive measures among adults in Zomba rural. Specific objectives: i) to assess
knowledge of adults on disease and use of preventive measures. ii) To explore the perception
of adults towards COVID-19 preventive measures. iii) To evaluate the practice of COVID-19
preventive measures. vi) To identify social factors and cultural beliefs that affect the use of
COVID-19 preventive measures. Methodology: A qualitative grounded theory will be used to collect views of adults aged 18
and above residing in rural communities. The sample size will be 30 participants and will be
purposively selected. The study will collect data from participants who come to seek health
services at facilities using in depth interviews and Key Informants Interviews. The collected
data will be stored in computer that has a pass word and will be accessed by key study team
only. The data analysis will be done using deductive and inductive thematic content analysis.
Informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrolment in the study.
Confidentiality will be ensured throughout the study and thereafter. Ethical approval will be
obtained from Collage of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (COMREC).
Expected findings: The study will expect to identify factors that affect use of COVID-19
preventive measures among adults.
Dissemination of expected results: The research findings will be disseminated to COMREC
and District Health Management Team for Zomba DHO. Recommendations will be made to
various stake holders such as DHOs office and partners including policy-makers on
improvement that need to be made to increase use COVID-19 preventive measures.
Description
This is a qualitative grounded theory study that will use in-depth
interviews and key informants interviews to collect data. The study will be used in order to
investigate factors that affect the uptake of COVID-19 preventive measures.