Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice About Malaria Prevention in a Sub-Urban Community in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a complex disease that varies widely in epidemiology and clinical manifestation in different parts of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 241 million malaria cases in 2020. April 25 every year, the world comes together under "World Malaria Day" (WMD) to raise awareness of the burden of malaria around the world. Objective: This study was conducted on WMD 2022 to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice toward malaria prevention in a sub-urban community in south-western Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among residents in the Mushin local government area, Lagos State, on WMD 2022. A self-administered structured questionnaire was filled out by conveniently sampled participants in a strategic location in the venue. Descriptive analysis was carried out to determine participants’ knowledge and attitude to malaria and practices of malaria prevention. Results: One hundred and thirty-five (135) people participated in the study. Majority of the respondents were female (77; 57%) and between the ages 44 to 56 years (48; 35.6%). About (101; 75%) of the respondent had good knowledge of malaria but almost (79; 58.9%) had poor attitude to malaria. The majority (88; 65.2%) of the respondents had a poor practice towards malaria prevention. Conclusion: Most participants had good knowledge about malaria but poor attitude and practice of prevention of the disease. These findings stress the need to enhance community knowledge and sensitization efforts about malaria. Public health enlightenment efforts on malaria prevention should be intensified.