Knowledge on the transmission, prevention and treatment of malaria among two endemic populations of Bangladesh and their health-seeking behaviour

Abstract

BackgroundData on sociological and behavioural aspects of malaria, which is essential for an evidence-based design of prevention and control programmes, is lacking in Bangladesh. This paper attempts to fill this knowledge gap by using data from a population-based prevalence survey conducted during July to November 2007, in 13 endemic districts of Bangladesh.MethodsA two-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select study respondents randomly from 30 mauzas in each district for the socio-behavioural inquiry (n = 9,750). A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data in face-to-face interview by trained interviewers, after obtaining informed consent.ResultsThe overall malaria prevalence rate in the 13 endemic districts was found to be 3.1% by the Rapid Diagnostic Test 'FalciVax' (P. falciparum 2.73%, P. vivax 0.16% and mixed infection 0.19%), with highest concentration in the three hill districts (11%). Findings revealed superficial knowledge on malaria transmission, prevention and treatment by the respondents. Poverty and level of schooling were found as important determinants of malaria knowledge and practices. Allopathic treatment was uniformly advocated, but the 'know-do' gap became especially evident when in practice majority of the ill persons either did not seek any treatment (31%) or practiced self-treatment (12%). Of those who sought treatment, the majority went to the village doctors and drugstore salespeople (around 40%). Also, there was a delay beyond twenty-four hours in beginning treatment of malaria-like fever in more than half of the instances. In the survey, gender divide in knowledge and health-seeking behaviour was observed disfavouring women. There was also a geographical divide between the high endemic south-eastern area and the low-endemicnorth-eastern area, the former being disadvantaged with respect to different aspects of malaria studied.ConclusionThe respondents in this study lacked comprehensive knowledge on different aspects of malaria, which was influenced by level of poverty and education. A gender and geographical divide in knowledge was observed disfavouring women and south-eastern area respectively. They preferred allopathic treatment for malaria, although a substantial proportion did not seek any treatment or sought self-treatment for malaria-like fever. Delay in seeking care was common. The implications of these findings for programme development are discussed.

Prevalence of Malaria and Treatment Seeking Behaviours among Pregnant Women in Postconflict Internally Displaced Persons' Camps in Gulu District

“…This observation is similar with other studies done in Tanzania [20][21][22], Eritrea [23], and Sudan [24]. None of the pregnant women indicated that they have visited traditional healers as reported in other studies [25][26][27] or village health team (VHT) member to seek for treatment. Also, none of the respondent mentioned that they use herbs to treat malaria as reported in other studies [21,27].…”

“…Other sources of malaria treatment such as clinics and drug shops were also mentioned by pregnant women. This act of self-treatment is consistent with findings from study done in other part of Uganda [28] and other studies done in India [29], Tanzania [22], and Bangladesh [25]. A few of the pregnant women reported not to have got treatment for malaria.…”

Socioeconomic development as an intervention against malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Wealth is probably protective against malaria, since it renders prophylaxis and treatment more affordable [47][48][49] and is positively associated with other beneficial factors, including better-educated parents (which improves prophylaxis and treatment for children), increased housing quality (which reduces house entry by malariatransmitting mosquitoes), and improved nutritional status of children (which could increase their subsequent …”

Diagnostic approaches to malaria in Zambia, 2009-2014

“…Regularly updated malaria risk maps (Haque et al, 2010b;Reid et al, 2010Reid et al, , 2012Haque et al, 2011;Wang et al, 2014) can help the NMCC to monitor progress and mobilize resources. Distance, population density, treatment seeking behavior and other health facilities should be considered (Ahmed et al, 2009;Haque et al, 2012;Simon et al, 2013). Accessibility (road network) proved to be a significant risk factor in this study for clinical diagnosis.…”