Abstract
BackgroundMyanmar has a high burden of malaria with two-third of the population at risk of malaria. One of the basic elements of the Roll Back Malaria Initiative to fight against malaria is early diagnosis and treatment within 24 h of fever. Public awareness about malaria is a key factor in malaria prevention and control and in improving treatment-seeking behaviour.MethodsA large community-based survey was carried out in 27 townships of malaria endemic regions in Myanmar in 2015 which reported on the knowledge, behaviour and practices around malaria in the general population. We used the data already collected in this survey to assess (i) general public awareness of malaria and (ii) treatment-seeking behaviour and associated factors among persons with acute undifferentiated fever.ResultsA total of 6597 respondents from 6625 households were interviewed (response rate of 99.5%). About 85% of the respondents were aware that mosquito bite was the mode of transmission of malaria and 90% mentioned that malaria was preventable. However, only 16% of the respondents knew about anti-malaria drug resistance. There were certain misconceptions about the transmission of malaria such as dirty water, same blood group, sharing shelter, sleeping/eating together and poor hygiene. Health facility staff were the most common source of information about malaria (80%). Nearly one-fourth (23%) of the respondents with fever resorted to self-medication. Around 28% of the respondents with fever underwent blood testing, less than half of whom (44%) were tested within 24 h. Elderly age group, females, those with poor knowledge about malaria and those residing in non-Regional Artemisinin Resistance Initiative townships were associated with poor treatment-seeking behaviour in case of fever.ConclusionAlthough there is fair knowledge on mosquito bite as a mode of transmission and prevention of malaria, there are some misconceptions about transmission of malaria. Those having poor knowledge about malaria have poor treatment-seeking behaviour. A considerable number of respondents seek care from informal care providers and seek care late. Thus, there is a need to promote awareness about the role of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment and address misconceptions about transmission of malaria.
Highlights
Myanmar has a high burden of malaria with two-third of the population at risk of malaria
Myanmar is at the third position among the countries in the South East Asian Region (SEAR) with contribution of malaria cases, and at top among the countries in Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) which is known for artemisinin resistance [4].World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasised early diagnosis and prompt treatment within 24 h of onset of symptoms to decrease the risk of severe complications and onward transmission [5]
Other outcome variables are the proportion of respondents with undifferentiated fever who had poor treatment-seeking behaviour, got their blood tested for malaria and timing of test done
Summary
Myanmar has a high burden of malaria with two-third of the population at risk of malaria. One of the basic elements of the Roll Back Malaria Initiative to fight against malaria is early diagnosis and treatment within 24 h of fever. Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasite It is considered a serious public health threat because of its severity and often fatal outcome. Myanmar is at the third position among the countries in the South East Asian Region (SEAR) with contribution of malaria cases, and at top among the countries in GMS which is known for artemisinin resistance [4].WHO has emphasised early diagnosis and prompt treatment within 24 h of onset of symptoms to decrease the risk of severe complications and onward transmission [5]. It is recommended that patients should seek early medical advice following the onset of fever, a common symptom of malaria [5]
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