Knowledge, attitudes and practice about malaria in rural Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding malaria and their determinants in a rural population of northern Ethiopia.MethodsThe study was conducted in the district of Samre Saharti, Tigray, northern Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire collecting socio-demographic and malaria-related KAP information was administered to the mothers from a representative sample of households.ResultsA total of 1652 questionnaires were available for analysis. Most of the respondents (92.7%) were able to mention at least one symptom of malaria. Mosquito as a cause of malaria was recognized by nearly half of the respondents (48.8%). Most of the households had a bed net (85.9%). To have a literate person at home, to belong to the lowland stratum, to have received some type of health education and to own a radio were associated with the knowledge of malaria. A strong association remained between living in the lowland stratum, to own a radio and to live close to the health post and the use of ITN. Being a housewife, lack of health education and to live further than 60 minutes walking distance to the health post were related to a delay on treatment finding.ConclusionThis study has identified some aspects which the MCP might need to improve. The knowledge about malaria transmission should be strengthened. Promotion of literacy and participation in health education are vital components in terms of malaria knowledge and practice. Issues related to geographical location and accessibility to health post should be also carefully examined.

The influence of the Gilgel-Gibe hydroelectric dam in Ethiopia on caregivers' knowledge, perceptions and health-seeking behaviour towards childhood malaria

“…The majority of caregivers (77% 'at-risk' and 84% 'control' group) recognized that malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites, which is higher than the 5% and 48% observed in similar studies conducted in central and northern Ethiopia, respectively [31,32]. Moreover, mosquito bites as a cause of malaria were mentioned by more than half of the caregivers (both groups combined).…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Malaria and Associated Factors in Areka Town, Southern Ethiopia: Community-Based CrossSectional Study

“…These studies have demonstrated communities' level of understandings and revealed some misconceptions related to signs and symptoms, mode of transmission, treatment or prevention of malaria. For instance, in a study from Tigray region, Ethiopia, mosquito as a cause of malaria was recognized by nearly half of the respondents (48.8%) [12]. In another study conducted among households in urban areas of Assosa zone, western Ethiopia, about 48% of study participants were aware that malaria can be transmitted by mosquito bites, and remarkable proportion of respondents had misconceptions regarding modes of malaria transmission [13].…”

Utilization of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets Among Household in Malarious Areas of Raya Alamata District, Tigray, Ethiopia

“…Despite the long history of malaria eradication and control since the 1950s, malaria still a major public health problem in the country and main causes of hospitalization and death in all corners of the country (4). Malaria in Ethiopia is seasonal, predominantly unstable and focal, depending largely on rain fall and altitude.…”