JMIR public health and surveillance
Public Awareness, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Digital Health Surveillance in Malawi: Cross-Sectional Study
By Kamanga P, Masoambeta J, Kamforzi V and 13 others.
Abstract
Background
Digital surveillance systems are increasingly recognized as essential tools for enhancing early outbreak detection, reporting, and response, especially in low-resource settings. The COVID-19 pandemic unveiled the critical role of digital health surveillance systems in timely detection, monitoring, and responses to public health threats. However, successful implementation depends on public awareness, acceptance, and willingness to participate. Limited evidence exists on how the public perceives and interacts with digital surveillance in Malawi.
Objective
The aim of the study was to assess the awareness, attitudes, and practices of adult Malawians toward digital surveillance during pandemics and epidemics.