Religion, politics and COVID-19 risk perception among urban residents in Malawi

Abstract Introduction Majority of Malawians have not yet adopted COVID-19 mitigation measures despite having knowledge about its infectivity, morbidity, and fatality. Understanding drivers of hesitancy to adoption of COVID-19 mitigation measures is critical as it can inform prevention programs. This study explores Malawians’ COVID-19 risk perception, and the associated constraints in the adoption of mitigation efforts. A Health Belief Model (HBM) approach was used to understand perceived factors that undermine public health COVID-19 messages to reduce the spread of the pandemic in Malawi. Methods The study applied rapid appraisal and photovoice qualitative inquiry to comprehend risk perception regarding COVID-19. We purposively selected 52 participants from three major cities in Malawi. Audio and video interviews were transcribed verbatim, and transcripts were coded manually to derive key themes and concepts. Results The study identified that social factors particularly religious and political beliefs influenced COVID-19 risk perception. Specific religious beliefs pertaining to individuals recognizing signs of the ‘Christian apocalypse’ were particularly associated with lower risk perceptions. Politically, participants believed COVID-19 lockdown measures were a ploy by the then-ruling party to remain in power. Conclusion The study suggests that religious beliefs and political environment undermine self -perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 among urban dwellers in Malawi. We recommend that diverse actors in Malawi should collaborate to promote the dissemination of accurate COVID-19 discourses and reduce the severity of the pandemic’s impact in Malawi

Systematic review and chemoinformatics analysis of anti-allergic medicinal plants used in Malawi

In Malawi, ethnobotanical surveys have been carried out on the plants used to treat or manage allergies and their symptoms. However, studies focusing on information analysis such as systematic reviews of anti-allergic plants and natural products are not yet published. This review highlighted and analysed data of potential anti-allergic medicinal plants used in Malawi in order to discover potential treatments for allergies through various approaches and improve well-being of people. Literature search strategy was used to collect data of medicinal plants. Chemoinformatics analysis was applied to compile associated natural products and to profile the physicochemical properties (drug-likeness and fingerprint diversity) with references to 60 antihistamine 1 drugs (H1R drugs) and 277 anti-H1 receptor inhibitors. Sixty (60) medicinal plants from 36 families out of 645 reported plant species had information of diseases or symptoms of allergies. The Malawian Natural Products (MNP) data set composed of 1757 unique compounds was compiled for the first time from 39 of 60 medicinal plants and approximately 48.9 % and 45.3 % of the compounds did not violate Lipinski and Veber drug-like rules respectively. Chemical space mapping revealed that compounds from Malawian medicinal plants are structurally diverse and share a small space with antihistamine compounds and drugs. This information is useful in exploring other anti-allergy biological mechanisms for natural products. Similarity screening identified usambarine (CID442121), which is structurally similar to 2,8-Dimethyl-5-(2-pyrazine-2-ylethyl)-gamma-carboline (CHEMBL1783970) and 29 other antihistamine compounds. The results will be used as a baseline for further studies which may eventually lead to the discovery of potential allergy treatments through various approaches. This could improve health and well-being of people which is in line with goal number 3 of Sustainable Development Goals, Africa's Union's Agenda 2063 and National Research Agenda for the Malawi 2063