Cultural determinants of Covid-19 vaccines misinformation in Malawi

Bibliographic Data

ID22231734
AuthorsJimmy Kainja (0000-0002-7036-3144, University of Malawi, corresponding author), Catherine Makhumula (0000-0001-5480-6155, University of Malawi), Halima S Twabi (0000-0002-0166-9393, University of Malawi), Anthony Mavuto Gunde (0000-0002-1507-2109, University of Malawi), Yamikani Ndasauka (0000-0002-6403-8652, University of Malawi)
Year2024
Volume11
Issue1
Publication date2024-09-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHumanities and Social Sciences Communications (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2662-9992 • E-ISSN: 2662-9992
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1057/s41599-024-03743-6
OpenAlexW4402479595
LanguageEN
References cited15

This study investigates how global misinformation and local cultural factors shape public perceptions of COVID-19 in Malawi. While misinformation about the pandemic often originates from global sources like the Internet and social media, its impact is influenced by religious and cultural narratives that resonate differently across various demographics, including gender. These ‘cultural determinants’ amplify the influence of misinformation, leading to widespread vaccine hesitancy. The paper draws on findings from a study conducted in the Malawian districts of Zomba, Dowa, and Nkhata Bay. The study reveals how religious prophecies and apocalyptic symbols, such as the ‘666’ mentioned in the biblical Book of Revelation, are used to frame vaccines as malevolent, distorting public understanding and fuelling fears about COVID-19. The role of social media in spreading misinformation is particularly significant, given its ability to quickly disseminate content and engage users as both consumers and creators of information. Despite limited internet access in Malawi, misinformation spreads effectively through offline spaces, where cultural beliefs and mistrust in political leaders further propagate it. This study highlights the need for culturally sensitive public health communication strategies to address the fears and beliefs that drive misinformation and vaccine hesitancy in Malawi and similar contexts. Although misinformation and vaccine hesitancy are global challenges, the study highlights that misinformation in Malawi is culturally specific, localised, and appeals to fears, with distinct resonance across the male-female gender divide

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak · Misinformation · Outbreak · Political science · COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts · Medicine · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy · Virology

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