Community knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malaria in Ha-Lambani, Limpopo Province, South Africa: a cross-sectional household survey

Abstract Background Malaria remains a global health concern and is endemic in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal Provinces of South Africa, which aims to eliminate malaria by 2025. Community engagement plays a significant role in improving the acceptability and effectiveness of programmes aimed at reducing malaria transmission. The success of such intervention efforts depends on the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the community, and understanding the KAP of community residents may support malaria control efforts in the locality. In this context, a cross-sectional household survey to assess community KAP on malaria transmission and prevention in the Ha-Lambani village, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province was conducted. Methods Data were collected between November 2018 and May 2019 by questionnaire of 261 consenting adults (213 females and 48 males, aged between 18 and 95 years) selected from different households. Also, a focus group discussion among 13 randomly selected participants was conducted. Pearson’s Chi Square test was used to determine statistical differences by village. Results Study participants (100%, 261/261) were aware of the presence of malaria in their community and 95% associated it with mosquito bites. The local health clinic was the most prominent source of malaria information (85%). Only 22% correctly identified headache, chills and fever as the three most common symptoms of malaria. The majority of participants (98%) knew that effective medication for malaria is available and had a positive treatment-seeking behaviour. Knowledge of malaria prevention measures was high (82%); contrarily, 97% of respondents did not sleep under a bed net the previous night. The focus group data concurred with these results and also revealed that poor bed net use resulted from lack of access to bed nets because community residents could not afford them. Conclusions The study demonstrates that participants have appropriate knowledge about malaria transmission and a positive treatment-seeking behaviour. However, economic barriers are responsible for the inadequate use of bed nets. Therefore, distribution of bed nets to the community should be considered to improve practice of malaria prevention measures. Furthermore, knowledge of signs and symptoms and appropriate malaria treatment was limited, and initiatives to improve awareness on these topics should be continued.

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Community knowledge, attitudes and practices towards Malaria in Ha-Lambani, Limpopo Province, South Africa: A cross-sectional household survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-126229/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mukhethwa Munzhedzi ◽

Elizabeth T. Rogawski McQuade ◽

Jennifer L. Guler ◽

Piper E. Shifflett ◽

Sara Krivacsy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Malaria Transmission ◽

Household Survey ◽

Malaria Prevention ◽

Limpopo Province ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Seeking Behavior ◽

Positive Treatment ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background Malaria remains a global health concern and is endemic in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal Provinces of South Africa, which aims to eliminate malaria by 2025. Community engagement plays a significant role in improving the acceptability and effectiveness of programmes aimed at reducing malaria transmission. The success of such intervention efforts depends on the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the community, and understanding the KAP of community residents may support malaria control efforts in the locality. In this context, we conducted a cross-sectional household survey to assess community KAP on malaria transmission and prevention in the Ha-Lambani village, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Methods Data were collected between November 2018 and May 2019 by questionnaire of 261 consenting adults (213 females and 48 males, ages between 18–95 years) selected from different households. We also conducted a focus group discussion among 13 randomly selected participants. Chi Square tests were used to determine statistical differences by village. Results Study participants (100%, 261/261) were aware of the presence of malaria in their community and 95% associated it with mosquito bites. The local health clinic was the most prominent source of malaria information (85%). Only 22% correctly identified headache, chills and fever as the three most common symptoms of malaria. The majority of participants (98%) knew that effective medication for malaria is available and had a positive treatment seeking behavior. Knowledge of malaria prevention measures was high (82%); contrarily, 97% of respondents did not sleep under a bednet the previous night. The focus group data concurred with these results and also revealed that poor bednet use resulted from lack of access to bednets because community residents could not afford them. Conclusions The study demonstrates that participants have appropriate knowledge about malaria transmission and a positive treatment seeking behavior. However, economic barriers are responsible for the inadequate use of bednets. Therefore, distribution of bednets to the community should be considered to improve practice of malaria prevention measures. Furthermore, knowledge of signs and symptoms and appropriate malaria treatment was limited, and initiatives to improve awareness on these topics should be continued.

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Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of the University Students on Malaria Prevention in Kavango East, Namibia

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v11n2p102 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 102 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Victoria Jacob ◽

Vistolina Nuuyoma

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

University Students ◽

Malaria Prevention ◽

Health Concern ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Mosquito Net ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

East Region ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Malaria remains a public health concern in Namibia and it is endemic in many regions, including Kavango east region. University students in Kavango east region are at risk of malaria due to bushy environment and the presence of Kavango river, which makes it easy for mosquitoes to multiply. This study aimed to assess and describe knowledge, attitudes and practices of malaria prevention among university students. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, using a pretested questionnaire to collect data from 239 university students in Kavango east region. A proportionate stratified random sampling was used to sample students from the three faculties on campus. Data were analysed with a Statistical Programme of Social Sciences. The overall response rate was 75% (239) from a total of 318 respondents. Mean age was 21.4 years, respondents comprised of 155 (64.9%) females and 84 (35.1%) males. Almost all respondents (94.5%) know that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and 80% of respondents indicated that malaria is preventable. Usage of mosquito net was the most commonly known preventive measure, indicated by 224 (94%) of respondents. The vast majority of respondents 227 (95%) agreed that the appropriate method to prevent self from getting malaria is to prevent mosquito bites. Surprisingly 80 (33%) of the respondents believe that only children and pregnant women get malaria and therefore it’s only them who need preventive measures. Only 43 (18%) of the respondents always sleep under mosquito nets to prevent themselves from getting malaria. It was concluded that university students in Kavango east region have good knowledge on malaria prevention measures. Although there were some misconceptions noted, especially on the identification of population at risk of malaria, the attitudes on malaria prevention are generally satisfactory. However, the knowledge and attitudes do not reflect in the students’ practices. 

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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Malaria among Employees from Enterprises in the Town of Douala, Cameroon

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/8652084 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Christian Mbohou Nchetnkou ◽

Loick Pradel Kojom Foko ◽

Leopold Gustave Lehman

Keyword(s):

Malaria Transmission ◽

Causative Agent ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

The Town ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background. Malaria remains a public health issue in the world especially in resource-limited countries, where it has a negative impact on their economy. There is a body of recent reports outlining the crucial role of enterprises in control of malaria. The present study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards malaria among employees from enterprises in the town of Douala, Cameroon. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study took place between February 2015 and June 2017 in 14 enterprises of Douala. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to document sociodemographic parameters and KAP of employees. Results. A total of 2705 employees, mainly consisted of males (83.1%), were included in the study. The mean age of respondents was 37.33±9.78 years (range 19-87). Over 90% of respondents knew at least one sign/symptom (94.1%) and associated malaria transmission with mosquito bites (91%). Artemether-Lumefantrine (36.2%), under commercial name “Coartem,” was the most cited antimalarial drug. Nearly 98.2% considered malaria as a dangerous disease. Misconceptions on malaria transmission, causative agent, prevention, and treatment were recorded. More than 77% of employees declared to use mosquito bed nets to prevent malaria. About 63% employees declared going to the hospital when they were feel having malaria while 12.9% were seeking care through street drugs. Educational level, socioprofessional category, area of residence, and enterprise were significantly associated with the level of knowledge on malaria transmission, causative agent, and preventive and treatment practices. Conclusion. This study showed a good level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of employees even though some misconceptions and bad behaviors are still present especially in people with a low level of education. Hence, there is a need to develop strategies for sensitization especially in this fraction of employees. In addition, enterprises could be an interesting approach in order to control malaria in Cameroon.

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Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Malaria Among Forest-Goer Communities in Mukdahan Province, Northeastern Thailand

10.21203/rs.3.rs-516363/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sriwipa Chuangchaiya ◽

Mohd Amirul Fitri A. Rahim ◽

Paisit Chanpum ◽

Mohd Bakhtiar Munajat ◽

Nor Diyana Dian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Indoor Residual Spraying ◽

High Risk Group ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Self Healing ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background: Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Thailand. In Thailand, the transmission now progressively clusters in hotspots along international borders and among high-risk groups, including forest-goers. Therefore, continuous assessment and understanding of the behavioral and perceptions related to malaria exposure in the high-risk group are necessary to achieve the elimination goal. This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to malaria in rural communities living close to a forested area in the northeastern part of Thailand.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three forest-goer communities (i.e. Ban Khok, Ban Koh and Dong Yang) in Khamcha-i district, Mukdahan Province from July and August 2019. Community members aged 18 years and above were interviewed. Demographic, socio-economic information and KAP data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: Overall, 346 individuals were interviewed. Although the household indoor residual spraying (IRS) coverage was 100%, ownership of mosquito bed net was 24.3% and only reported in Ban Khok. Nevertheless, almost all of the respondents were aware that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes (97.7%) and bed nets were used to prevent malaria (94.5%). Regarding practice for managing malaria, the most common practice adopted by the respondents was seeking treatment at the nearby clinic (58.1%), followed by self-healing (38.7%) and self-purchase of medication from a local shop (3.2%). Concerning attitude towards malaria transmission, 69.1% and 24.3% of the respondents reported entering nearby forests and spending the night in the forest within the last six months, respectively. Conclusion: This study found that most respondents living in the villages have an acceptable level of knowledge and awareness about malaria. Nevertheless, the positive attitudes and practices concerning malaria prevention measures against malaria require marked improvement. Therefore, new approaches to improving malaria KAP evidently need in this community.

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Malaria Prevention and Mothers: Sudan

Basic and Applied Sciences - Scientific Journal of King Faisal University ◽

10.37575/b/med/2384 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yousif Elmosaad ◽

Ahmed Al Rajeh ◽

Asif khan ◽

Elfatih Malik ◽

Ilias Mahmud

Keyword(s):

Formal Education ◽

Effective Means ◽

Malaria Prevention ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Positive Attitudes

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in malaria prevention using insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) among mothers of children under five years of age in White Nile State, Sudan. Multistage cluster sampling was used to select 761 mothers for this cross-sectional survey. There were gaps in the KAP in malaria prevention. Only 46.3% of the mothers stated personal protective measures (PPMs) as the best malaria prevention strategy; 54.9% considered ITNs as an effective means; and only 18.7% reported sleeping under an ITN every day. Older mothers were less likely to have good knowledge (OR=0.96), attitudes (OR=0.98) and practices (OR=0.98). Having a Government employee as the head of the household was positively associated with knowledge (OR=2.16) and attitudes (OR=1.96). The mother having a formal education was also positively associated with good knowledge (OR=1.55) and positive attitudes (OR=1.69). Mothers with a monthly household income of <491 Sudanese Pound were more likely to have good knowledge (OR=1.43). Mothers who had good knowledge (OR=4.99) and positive attitudes towards PPMs (OR=2.60) in malaria prevention were found to be more likely to practice preventive measures. Therefore, we recommend focusing on raising mothers’ awareness of the different preventive activities to protect them and their family from malaria.

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Cross-Study of Malaria Prevalence in History, Bed Net Utilization, and Knowledge about the Disease among Tanzanian College Students

Malaria Research and Treatment ◽

10.1155/2018/8137051 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Yakobo Nyahoga ◽

Zanda Bochkaeva

Keyword(s):

Malaria Prevention ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Malaria Prevalence ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Bed Net ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

University Campuses ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Two Factors

University campuses are potential reservoirs of infectious diseases, but they are not in the research focus. It is obvious that the use of malaria preventive tools is extremely necessary in campus conditions in endemic countries. This study is the first malaria survey, conducted in a student campus in Tanzania. This cross-sectional study uncovered a surprisingly high prevalence of malaria history among students: 89,4% of 246 random respondents assume that they had malaria in history, among whom 145 (58,9%) suffered from the disease during the last year. And although students are relatively confident about the vector, parasite, and prevention measures of the disease, only 44,7% of the students use bed nets and 4,5% use a body spray or ointment daily. The others seldom use spray or ointment or do not care about the problem at all. This situation was found to be associated with two factors, financial and educational. Current results show that students are relatively educated on malaria, but they do not follow the malaria prevention guidance. It has become clear that at least proper informational propaganda of bed net use is required in Tanzanian university campuses.

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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Malaria and Its Control in Rural Northwest Tanzania

Malaria Research and Treatment ◽

10.4061/2010/794261 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 2010 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Humphrey D. Mazigo ◽

Emmanuel Obasy ◽

Wilhellmus Mauka ◽

Paulina Manyiri ◽

Maria Zinga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Indoor Residual Spraying ◽

Education Level ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Bed Net ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Household Heads ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background. We assessed community knowledge, attitudes, and practices on malaria as well as acceptability to indoor residual spraying. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional survey was done in a community in Geita district (northwest Tanzania). Household heads (n=366) were interviewed Results. Knowledge on malaria transmission, prevention, and treatment was reasonable; 56% of respondents associated the disease with mosquito bites, with a significant difference between education level and knowledge on transmission (P<.001). Knowledge of mosquito breeding areas was also associated with education (illiterate: 22%; literate: 59% (P<.001). Bed nets were used by 236 (64.5%), and usage was significantly associated with education level (P<.01). The level of bed net ownership was 77.3%. Most respondents (86.3%) agreed with indoor residual spraying of insecticides. Health facilities were the first option for malaria treatment by 47.3%. Artemether-lumefantrine was the most common antimalarial therapy used. Conclusions. Despite reasonable knowledge on malaria and its preventive measures, there is a need to improve availability of information through proper community channels. Special attention should be given to illiterate community members. High acceptance of indoor residual spraying and high level of bed net ownership should be taken as an advantage to improve malaria control.

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A Malaria Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Survey in a Rural Community in Guinea.

10.1101/2021.06.18.21259155 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Erin Holsted ◽

Barclay Kadiebwe ◽

Amer Sattar ◽

Abigail Salthouse ◽

Nirmal Ravi

Keyword(s):

Child Health ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Household Survey ◽

Water Source ◽

Malaria Prevention ◽

Drinking Water Source ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Republic ◽

Malaria Knowledge

Malaria is the top public health problem in the Republic of Guinea. In 2016, we conducted a cross-sectional household survey in Timbi-Touni, Guinea using community workers. The survey included respondent demographic characteristics, child health, child health promotion related to malaria knowledge, water and sanitation, and health services access. Majority of our respondents were women (89.41%) and had never been to school (71.18%). Slightly more than half the children were reported to have ever had malaria and 45% reported to have ever had diarrhea. We did not find any statistically significant association between gender or level of education and malaria knowledge. Eighty six percent of respondents had received a free bednet during national campaigns and 61% slept under a bednet the night before the survey. We found a statistically significant association between receiving information on malaria prevention and sleeping under a bednet. There was no statistically significant association between drinking water source and malaria or diarrhea. Both malaria and diarrhea were considered to be serious illnesses for adults and children by nearly all respondents. Insights from our detailed KAP survey can guide policy makers and practitioners who design and implement malaria control and prevention measures in Guinea.

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Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among patients attended in the Caracas University Hospital triage tent: a cross-sectional study in Venezuela

Biomédica ◽

10.7705/biomedica.5808 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 41 (Sp. 2) ◽

Author(s):

Fabián R. Chacón ◽

Juan M. Doval ◽

Verónica I. Rodríguez ◽

Adriana Quintero ◽

Daniela L. Mendoza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Face Mask ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

University Hospital ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Asymptomatic Group ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Asymptomatic Patients ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Introduction: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) studies related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) allow the identification of erroneous concepts and inadequate practices about this disease. This baseline information is essential to design effective strategies and improve adherence to prevention measures. Objective: Identify the KAP related to COVID-19 in Venezuelan patients screened at the Caracas University Hospital triage tent. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 215 patients between April 25th and May 25th, 2020 with in-person interviews using a KAP survey. Results: Most surveyed patients (53.5%) were asymptomatic. Most of them had adequate knowledge about symptoms and transmission of the disease without distinction between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Most of them indicated to be practicing quarantine, frequent handwashing, and face mask use in public areas; however, daily replacement of cloth face masks was more frequent in the asymptomatic group, whereas replacement every 3 days of cloth face masks was more frequent in the symptomatic group. Finally, more than half of the participants admitted having been in crowded places, being this practice more common among the symptomatic compared to the asymptomatic patients. Conclusions: This is the first KAP study in Venezuela about COVID-19. The knowledge and practices of Venezuelans could be improved through the strengthening of education and training programs. This information obtained from the early phase of the pandemic in Venezuela could contribute to the design of COVID-19 promotion and prevention strategies.

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