Population knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malaria prevention in the locality of Makenene, Centre-Cameroon

Abstract

Background To contribute to the mission of the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) and guide future interventions in Cameroon in general, and in Makenene in particular, this study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the population of Makenene towards the fight against malaria. Methods Using a semi-structured questionnaire, a descriptive cross-sectional household community survey was carried out in randomly selected households in Makenene, a locality situated between forest and savannah ecotypes. Results Out of the 413 households surveyed, all (100%) claimed to have heard of malaria with over 94% (n = 391) associating disease transmission with mosquito bites. The main mosquito control tools used in the area were mosquito nets (92.25%). The majority of participants had good knowledge (55.93%; n = 231), good practices (71.67%, n = 296) but moderate attitudes (47.94%; n = 198) towards malaria control and fight. Good knowledge and practices were recorded mostly in educated persons including public servants and students. Good attitudes were adopted mostly by public servants and students of secondary and higher levels of education. Conclusion In Makenene, the population exhibits good knowledge and practices towards malaria and its control. However, despite high LLINs ownership and use, people still complain about malaria in the area. Control tools should be monitored, repaired or replaced when necessary to support the achievement of the NMCP mission.

Perbandingan Pengetahuan Sikap dan Praktik Masyarakat pada Wilayah Urban dan Rural Daerah Endemik Filariasis di Kabupaten Bogor

“…Pengetahuan berhubungan dengan kejadian filariasis dan merupakan faktor yang bisa mengurangi risiko kejadian filariasis. 26 Hal yang sama dilaporkan di Kecamatan Kodi Balaghar, Kabupaten Sumba Barat Daya, bahwa pengetahuan memiliki hubungan signifikan dengan kejadian filariasis. 27 Hasil penelitian di Desa Tamansari dan Desa Cimanggis menunjukkan secara umum responden memiliki sikap positif.…”

“…Hasil ini sejalan dengan beberapa penelitian yang juga menemukan sebagian besar sikap responden adalah positif tentang filariasis, 18,28 namun berbeda dengan penelitian pada komunitas penduduk yang justru menemukan sikap responden yang kurang tentang filariasis. 26 Komponen sikap responden yang kurang dalam penelitian ini adalah sikap terhadap filariasis yang jika tidak diobati dianggap hanya menimbulkan sakit biasa. Hal ini kemungkinan disebabkan karena persepsi responden yang melihat langsung penderita yang masih tetap dapat beraktivitas mencari nafkah dan bersosialisasi dengan masyarakat lainnya.…”

Chemical Composition and Use of <i>Momordica charantia</i> L. and <i>Hyptis spicigera</i> Lam. Extracts as Mosquito Larvicides and Insect Growth Regulators against Malarial Vector, <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> Giles

“…The advent of COVID 19 has worsened the situation due to the fact that efforts in the health services were mostly oriented towards the COVID 19, retorting activities in detriments to malaria prevention and treatment [4]. In addition to disruptions in malaria diagnosis and treatment, the fear to catch COVID 19 by population in hospital reduced significantly their visit in case of suspected malaria cases during COVID 19 pandemic, increasing auto medication [4] [5].…”