Abstract
BackgroundMalaria in Cape Verde is unstable, with a sporadic and seasonal transmission of low endemicity. In this sense, the community perceptions regarding malaria transmission, their attitudes and practices against the disease are very important to understand and to better develop the best strategical policies to achieve malaria elimination goal. This study aim to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Cape Verdean population about malaria, a country in the elimination step of disease.MethodsA cross-sectional malaria KAP Survey was performed at the household level. A structured open questionnaire was developed and applied to residents of randomly selected households from 5 islands and 15 municipalities in Cape Verde. Correlation analyses were performed using a logistic regression model to determine the factors that are associated with the complete knowledge of the population about malaria.ResultsA total of 1953 fully completed questionnaires were analysed, with majority of questionnaires administered in Santiago island (68.3%), mainly in the capital city of Praia, 38.43%. About 88% of the population knew the correct form of transmission, 96% had knowledge that the entire population is at risk of malaria and identified the main symptoms. Regarding the attitudes, 58% seek treatment atthe nearest health structure upon the apparition of the symptoms, 64% in the first 24 h and 88% within the first 48 h. More than 97% have heard about mosquito nets but only 19% used it. In practice, 53% use coils, 45% rely on household sprays and 43% have benefited from IRS. About 90% received information about malaria from media, mainly the TV and the radio (83 and 43%, respectively). In summary, 54% of the population has complete knowledge of the disease.ConclusionThe population of Cape Verde has a high level of knowledge about malaria, including its transmission, main symptoms and preventive and control measures. However, some gaps and misunderstandings have been noticed and contribute to the insufficient community involvement in actions against malaria. Therefore, is necessary to increase the knowledge of the population, leading to their full ownership and participation in community actions to contribute to the malaria elimination in the country.
Highlights
Malaria in Cape Verde is unstable, with a sporadic and seasonal transmission of low endemicity
In 2017, Paraguay and Uzbekistan were certified malaria-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO), while 46 countries reported less than 10,000 malaria cases, and 26 having the potential to eliminate malaria by 2020
Descriptive analysis A total of 1.953 fully completed questionnaires from the interviewed families were used in the final analysis of the KAP study in the country
Summary
Malaria in Cape Verde is unstable, with a sporadic and seasonal transmission of low endemicity. In this sense, the community perceptions regarding malaria transmission, their attitudes and practices against the disease are very important to understand and to better develop the best strategical policies to achieve malaria elimination goal. The African region accounting for more than 90% cases and 93% of all deaths remains the most affected of all the World Health Organisation (WHO) regions [1]. Of the 91 countries with ongoing malaria transmission, 14 are located in sub-Saharan Africa and account, with India, for more than 80% of the global malaria burden. In 2017, Paraguay and Uzbekistan were certified malaria-free by the WHO, while 46 countries reported less than 10,000 malaria cases, and 26 (including the Cabo Verde) having the potential to eliminate malaria by 2020
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