Data collection methods.
DISEASE
The semi-structured IDI and FGD instruments included questions on what the respondents know about COVID-19 in general, its symptoms, spread, and what activities could make the disease more likely to spread, discussed in the results as “high-risk activities.” The instruments included a question on respondents’ sources of information about COVID-19 in the surrounding communities and multiple questions on knowledge of current COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Lastly, respondents were asked about their perceptions of guideline enforcement of prevention guidelines, examples and reasons for adherence to guidelines, and examples and reasons for non-adherence. Probes were used to elicit more information.The qualitative instruments were translated into the local languages of Chitonga and Chinyanja for use in the Southern and Eastern Provinces, respectively. Project staff trained a team of local data collectors on research ethics, on principles of qualitative data collection, and on the data collection instruments. Round 1 of data collection occurred over 1 month in November 2020. Round 2 followed and lasted 1 month during April/May 2021. Prevention measures were followed to limit the possibility of transmission of COVID-19 during data collection activities, including face mask use, social distancing, and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.Demographic data were collected from each respondent using paper forms. Data were extracted at a later time using SurveyCTO® Collect Software (Dobility, Inc, Cambridge, MA) on encrypted tablets.