Analysis of the socio-economic and cultural factors affecting malaria prevention in provinces with high malaria prevalence in Zambia

Abstract

Malaria, which is endemic in all the provinces of Zambia, remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Records of the high prevalence of malaria is evident in Northern, Eastern, Muchinga and Luapula provinces, despite the implementation of malaria control and prevention strategies aimed at interrupting the disease transmission, which includes the use of treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, presumptive, and treatment therapy among others. These provinces' socio-cultural and economic factors were explored to ascertain if they might contribute to the altered effectiveness of malaria control interventions that have proved successful in other provinces. This study analysed the socio-cultural and economic factors affecting malaria prevention in provinces with high malaria prevalence in Zambia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to selective households in the four study provinces. 1,580 people participated in the study, with a response rate of 98.8%. 684 were male, and 896 were female. Findings suggest practices and beliefs concerning socio-cultural and economic factors influence the success of malaria control interventions in the provinces. Low levels of education and lack of it, directly impacted the understanding of malaria prevention, transmission, and interventions. Self- medication, use of leftover medicines, and seeking treatment late were attributed to low-income levels in all the four provinces. Type of housing and occupation exposed individuals to malaria infection. Tailoring malaria preventive measures to the socio-cultural and economic practices of the provinces will help reduce malaria cases in the provinces.