Knowledge, practices and perceptions of communities during a malaria larviciding randomized trial in the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

Background Urban malaria is becoming a major public health concern in major cities in Cameroon. To improve malaria vector control, a pilot larviciding trial was conducted to assess its impact on mosquito density and malaria transmission intensity in Yaoundé. The present study investigated perceptions and practices of communities on malaria control during the larviciding trial implemented in Yaoundé. Methods Quantitative and qualitative data were collected in non-intervention and intervention areas. Quantitative data were collected during three cross-sectional surveys using a structured pre-tested questionnaire while qualitative data were obtained through interviews. A total of 26 in-depth interviews and eight focus group discussions with community members were performed. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the perception of the community on larviciding impact on some malaria or bed nets use indicators. Results People living in intervention areas were 2.64 times more likely to know the mode of malaria transmission (95% CI: 1.82–3.84; p<0.001) and 1.3 time more likely to know mosquito breeding habitats (95% CI: 1.06–1.56; p = 0.009) compared to those living in non-intervention areas. In intervention areas, interviewee opinions on larviciding were generally good i.e. most interviewees reported having noticed a reduction in mosquito nuisance and malaria cases following larviciding implementation; whereas in non-intervention areas no report of reduction of mosquito nuisance was recorded. LLINs were regularly used by the population despite the implementation of larviciding treatments. There was high interest in larviciding program and demand for continuation, even if this needs the community involvement. Conclusion The larviciding program in the city of Yaoundé did not negatively affected community members’ behaviour and practices concerning the use of treated nets. The study indicated the acceptance of larviciding program by the population. This positive environment could favour the implementation of future antilarval control activities in the city of Yaoundé.

Knowledge and acceptance of malaria vaccine among parents of under‐five children of malaria endemic areas in Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study

“…Several variables were considered explanatory variables based on an extensive literature review and previous descriptive studies. 21 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 The variables relevant to knowledge and acceptance of the malaria vaccine included age, gender, residence, educational status, occupation, income class, family size smoking status, comorbidity, bed net, insecticide‐treated bed net, used insecticide to control mosquitoes, housing structure, house wall, house floor, house window, awareness of malaria, having ever been tested for malaria, ever been diagnosed for malaria. Our dichotomization and cutoff values were theoretical, and a verified approach might have strengthened our findings.…”

“…Among the 105 participants who heard about the malaria vaccine, 31.21% learned about it from health professionals. Among all sources, 29.20%, 28.19%, 8.6%, 8.5%, and 2.1% of participants learned about the malaria vaccine from television, government agencies, newspapers, social media, and friends, respectively.…”