Abstract
ObjectivesAdequate community knowledge about malaria is crucial in order to improve prevention by reducing exposure to the disease. Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children of less than five years of age in Equatorial Guinea. However, information concerning the accuracy of community knowledge is insufficient. This study aimed at assessing the depth of caregivers’ knowledge of malaria, their beliefs and attitudes about this disease, and their socioeconomic determinants in the Bata district of Equatorial Guinea.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted in the district of Bata, involving 440 houses selected from 18 rural villages and 26 urban neighbourhoods. A combined "Malaria Knowledge Score" was generated based on caregivers’ knowledge about transmission, symptoms, prevention, the treatment of children, and best place to seek treatment. Multivariate logistic regressions analyses were performed to assess those factors that are associated with knowledge about malaria.ResultsA total of 428 caregivers were interviewed; 255 (59.6%) and 173 (40.4%) lived in urban and rural areas respectively. Significant differences between rural and urban households were observed in caregivers’ malaria knowledges and beliefs. Almost 42% of urban and 65% of rural caregivers were unaware as to how malaria is transmitted (OR = 2.69; 95% CI: 1.78–4.05). Together with rurality, the factors most significantly associated with the Malaria Knowledge were the level of education of the caregiver and the socioeconomic status of the household.ConclusionsImprovements in educational programs are needed to empower the most vulnerable households such that they can pro-actively implement malaria control measures. This could be achieved by a comprehensive communication strategy aimed at changing individual and community behaviours, and delivered by suitably trained community health workers and indoor residual spraying personnel.
Highlights
The increasing investments in malaria have contributed to a substantial decrease in incidence and mortality during the last decade even though the disease remains a major public health problem in Africa
Almost 42% of urban and 65% of rural caregivers were unaware as to how malaria is transmitted (OR = 2.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.78– 4.05)
Improvements in educational programs are needed to empower the most vulnerable households such that they can pro-actively implement malaria control measures. This could be achieved by a comprehensive communication strategy aimed at changing individual and community behaviours, and delivered by suitably trained community health workers and indoor residual spraying personnel
Summary
The increasing investments in malaria have contributed to a substantial decrease in incidence and mortality during the last decade even though the disease remains a major public health problem in Africa. Disease prevention is of prime importance in reducing the rates of morbidity and mortality, but its everyday practice in households is related to local perceptions of risk and knowledge about malaria [2,3]. Adequate community knowledge about malaria is crucial to guarantee that preventative measures are correctly applied and disease exposure reduced [4]. Misconceptions about malaria frequently persist among communities and individual households that may jeopardise the success of disease prevention [5,6]. Rural and urban populations differ in their cultural practices, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, availability and accessibility to health services. Rural areas are linked with increased levels of poverty together with diminished access to healthcare facilities due to their remoteness [9]. -Both rural and urban populations should be taken into account to improve the efficacy and efficiency of control interventions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
