Abstract
BackgroundIndia accounts for the highest number of malaria cases outside of Africa. Eighty per cent of India’s population lives in malaria-risk areas, with cases increasing in urban areas. Mumbai, India, one of the most populous cities in the world, has experienced such an increase. To be successful, many malaria control efforts require community participation, which in turn depends on individuals’ knowledge and awareness of the disease. This study assessed the knowledge and prevention practices regarding malaria in residents of four different areas of Mumbai, India, around the time of a malaria outbreak and the start of a widespread awareness campaign.MethodsA cross-sectional comparative study assessed malaria-related knowledge and prevention practices in four geographically and socio-demographically distinct areas of Mumbai, India. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to a stratified random sample of 119 households between 16 December 2010 and 30 January 2011. Participant socio-demographic characteristics, malaria knowledge, malaria prevention practices, and household environmental factors were examined overall and compared across the four areas of Mumbai.ResultsOverall, respondents had excellent knowledge of the mosquito as the means of transmission of malaria, mosquito biting times and breeding sites, and fever as a symptom of malaria. However, many respondents also held misconceptions about malaria transmission and symptoms. Respondents generally knew that bed nets are an effective prevention strategy, but only 30% used them, and only 4% used insecticide-treated bed nets. Knowledge and prevention practices varied across the four areas of Mumbai.ConclusionsAlthough most residents know that bed nets are effective in preventing malaria, usage of bed nets is very low, and almost no residents use insecticide-treated bed nets. As the four areas of Mumbai differed in knowledge, prevention practices, and primary sources of information, malaria control campaigns should be tailored according to the knowledge gaps, practices, environments, resources, and preferences in different areas of the city, using the interpersonal and media channels most likely to reach the target audiences. Malaria control efforts involving bed nets should emphasize use of insecticide-treated bed nets.
Highlights
India accounts for the highest number of malaria cases outside of Africa
This study provides baseline data on knowledge and prevention practices regarding malaria in residents of four areas of Mumbai, India, around the time of a malaria outbreak and the start of a widespread awareness campaign
While most individuals are aware of the disease and know the means of transmission, the most common symptoms and some prevention strategies, there are knowledge gaps that need to be filled and widespread misconceptions that need to be corrected
Summary
India accounts for the highest number of malaria cases outside of Africa. India, one of the most populous cities in the world, has experienced such an increase. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year there are over 200 million cases of malaria worldwide [1]. Of these annual cases, approximately 1.5 million occur in India [2]. India accounts for only a small fraction of global malaria, it is the country with the highest number of cases outside of Africa [3] and accounts for two-thirds of all cases in Southeast Asia [1]. Whereas many countries have seen declines in malaria cases of over 50% between 2000 and 2010, the decline in India over the same time period was only 28% [1] with no decline since 2007 [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
