Abstract
BackgroundAlthough malaria is endemic across Ghana, the risk is generally elevated for residents living in and around stagnant water bodies such as dams and irrigated farming projects. What knowledge do these at-risk populations have about the aetiology and symptoms of malaria? What are their coping strategies? And what interventions are needed to help improve the health outcomes of people living in high-risk malaria communities?MethodsThis study addressed these research questions with primary data, comprising both qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, collected in Asutsuare—a rural irrigated farming community located in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.ResultsResults from the fieldwork showed that awareness of malaria as a major health concern in the community was universal. Respondents also displayed a high knowledge of some common clinical symptoms of malaria. Yet, only 3% out of the total survey respondents of 337 indicated they immediately visit a health facility for treatment whenever they suspected malaria. The overwhelming majority (about 97%) indicated they only visit a healthcare facility for treatment if they felt the suspected malaria illness was severe and/or other treatment options had failed.ConclusionMalaria testing training for drug dispensing personnel as well as the provision of malaria testing kits in drug dispensing stores are necessary to facilitate early malaria screening and timely diagnosis particularly in rural endemic areas.
Highlights
Malaria is endemic across Ghana, the risk is generally elevated for residents living in and around stagnant water bodies such as dams and irrigated farming projects
Though there are regional and seasonal variations in prevalence rates, it is generally observed that reported malaria cases are fairly stable and often higher in and around irrigated farming areas compared with neighboring areas without irrigation agriculture [2,3,4,5,6,7]; for some exemptions, see for example, [8]
In spite of the reported malaria risks associated with the development of irrigation schemes, irrigation has become an important strategy for food security, economic growth, and poverty alleviation for many developing countries like Ghana, a country where malaria has persistently remained a leading public health menace accounting for about 38% of all outpatient illnesses and almost half (48%) of all deaths in children under the age of 5 years old in the year 2015 [11]
Summary
Socio‐demographic characteristics of respondents There were slightly more females (53.4%) than males (46.6%) in the sample. The overwhelming majority (about 93%) would consider visiting a professional healthcare facility only when they themselves or family members have tried other options for treating the malaria infection and have failed These respondents, without first testing for malaria, obtained medication (anti-malarial tablets and pain killers) from local drug stores (kiosks) and herbal preparations from traditional healers, rather than visiting a formal healthcare facility where proper diagnostic tests are available. This high prevalence in home or self-medication was highlighted during the qualitative interviews. The above results suggest that unwillingness to use LLINs could be a reality even among people living in high-risk malaria areas
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