Dataset for the attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 preventive measures in diverse settings of Mozambique: a qualitative study

Background: In this data note, we provide the details of a qualitative study database conducted before the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mozambique. During this period (from September 2020), several compulsory COVID-19 preventive measures were put forth as a response to the emerging pandemic in the country. Data were collected aiming to evaluate home confinement behaviours, household members’ mobility, and the mobility routes and other attitudes and practices related to COVID-19 preventive measures at the community level. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, mixed method study was conducted involving adults from different regions in Mozambique. Data were collected using a combination of rapid ethnography and rapid rural assessment methods consisting of telephone-based semi-structured interviews, informal conversations, non-participant observations and short questionnaires. The COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative studies were performed. Results: 295 semi-structured interviews (SSI) with adult household members were included in the study. Of these, 23 were conducted face-to-face and 272 by telephone, covering 24 districts and cities in 9 provinces. More than half (53.9%) of participants were females and aged 18 - 98 years old (median [interquartile range] = 35 [29-43]). Most had a relevant role in the household, with formal education and had to leave home for income generating. Conclusion: This data, available in our repository, favours several angles of assessments of behaviour related to home confinement, mobility and routes of a population group prior to the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak.