Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
BackgroundAreas with dynamic population movements are likely to be associated with higher levels of drug-resistant malaria. Myanmar Artemisinin Resistance Containment (MARC) Project has been launching since 2012. One of its components includes enhancing strategic approaches for mobile/migrant populations. We aimed to ascertain the estimated population of mobile migrant workers and their families in terms of stability in work setting in townships classified as tier II (areas with significant inflows of people from areas with credible evidence of artemisinin resistance) for Artemisinin resistance; to identify knowledge, attitudes and practices related to prevention and control of malaria and to recommend cost-effective strategies in planning for prevention and control of malaria.MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study conducted between June to December 2013 that covered 1,899 migrant groups from 16 tier II townships of Bago Region, and Kayin and Kayah States. Trained data collectors used a pre-tested and subsequently modified questionnaire and interviewed 2,381 respondents. Data of migrant groups were analyzed and compared by category depending upon the stability of their work setting.ResultsThe estimated population of the 1,899 migrant groups categorized into three on the nature of their work setting was 56,030. Bago region was the commonest reported source of origin of migrant groups as well as their transit. Malaria volunteers were mostly within the reach of category 1 migrant groups (43/66, 65.2 %). Less stable migrant groups in category 3 had limited access to malaria information (14.7 %) and malaria care providers (22.1 %), low level of awareness and use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (46.6 and 38.8 %). Also, they had poor knowledge on malaria prevention on confirming suspected malaria and on using artemisinin combined therapy (ACT). Within two weeks prior to the survey, only 16.5 % of respondents in all categories combined reported acute undifferentiated fever.Discussion and ConclusionsMobility dynamics of migrant groups was complex and increased their vulnerability to malaria. This phenomenon was accentuated in less stable areas. Even though migrant workers were familiar with rapid diagnostic tests for malaria, ACT still needed wide recognition to improve practices supportive of MARC including the use of appropriate personal protection. High mobility calls for re-designation of tier II townships to optimize ACT resistance containment.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2241-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Areas with dynamic population movements are likely to be associated with higher levels of drug-resistant malaria
That particular survey did not provide socio-behavioral data and had a lack of clarity in defining migrants within the context of prevention and control of malaria in Myanmar Artemisinin Resistance Containment (MARC) project. This present research work aimed to a) ascertain he estimated population of mobile migrant workers and their families in terms of stability in work setting in tier II townships; b) to identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to prevention and control of malaria by category of migrant groups and c) to recommend cost-effective strategies in planning for prevention and control of malaria in mobile/ migrant populations in tier II townships, MARC zone, Myanmar
The results indicated their familiarity to rapid diagnosis in malaria mostly used by malaria volunteers and basic health staff (BHS) in study sites
Summary
Areas with dynamic population movements are likely to be associated with higher levels of drug-resistant malaria. Migration process encompasses any movement of people, whatever its length, composition and causes. It includes migration of refugees, displaced people, uprooted people and economic migrants [1]. The magnitude of population migration has been increasing as reflected by global and regional trends and patterns of mobility. It is obvious that there are links between population migration, work patterns and malaria transmission globally and in the Greater Mekong sub-region including in Myanmar [2,3,4]. Higher levels of drug-resistant malaria are reported to from locations with more dynamic population movements than those with less movement. The significant impact of migration on patterns of malaria infection and disease with implications for malaria control has been reported [6, 7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
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 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.
