Knowledge, attitude and practices towards malaria
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Date
September, 2019
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Abstract
A clear understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of a particular community can inform the design of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) campaigns to influence acceptance and use of any malaria control measures. Research to clearly determine what interventions to carry out has not been undertaken in towns and villages in Akuapim North Municipal Assembly. In this regard, a study was conducted guided by the following objective: To assess a comprehensive knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) level of the community towards malaria and associated factors in Akuapim Municipal, Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted in between August and September 2019 in Akuapim North Municipal Assembly. Quantitative data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire covering all 21 towns and villages and subsequently were analyzed using SPSS software and Microsoft Excel. 42.16% of respondents had medium knowledge about malaria prevention and control, scoring either 3 or 4 out of a maximum 6 points (Mean score = 5.26 points, SD = 3.24). On the whole, respondents do recognize the threat posed by malaria as most (98.69%) agreed with the statement: “I think that malaria is a serious and life-threatening disease”. Despite most households (72.85%) owning mosquito nets, participants confirmed that some people do not use the nets because they associate them with breathing difficulties. (11.22%) of the respondents had poor practices towards malaria prevention and control. In general, most people had good knowledge about malaria prevention and control. Most of the respondents see malaria as a threat to their lives and community and majority had good practices towards malaria prevention and control but do not reflect to reality on the ground. Therefore interventions aimed at social and behaviour change are necessary to address the gaps highlighted by the study.
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A thesis submitted to the School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of Public Health Degree
Keywords
Knowledge, attitude, Malaria control, Akuapim