Data collected as part of an observational, cross-sectional study of the feasibility and acceptability of self-sampling and self-testing using SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests in adults in the general population and health care workers. Cognitive interviews were conducted at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) and Lirangwe in Blantyre, Malawi. Data files shared in this first version of the deposit consist of 58 PANBIO and 62 STDQ interview transcripts. The interviewer questions are typically in English, while the respondents’ answers are given in Chichewa.