Surveys on Familial and Individual Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) on Mosquitoes and Malaria Vector Control in Lobito (Angola)

Abstract

A cluster sampling survey was implemented in Lobito town (Angola) before the scheduled large distribution of long lasting insecticide treated nets in the framework of the National Malaria Control Program to get base line data on the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of population against mosquitoes and vector borne diseases. A total sample of 420 households (representing 2384 inhabitants) was involved and interviewed and it appeared that 94% of them complained against mosquitoes as biting and boring nuisance while 22% reported their fear about vector borne diseases. 94% are developing some method against mosquitoes at household level, mainly commercial insecticide spray cans (57%) bednets (53%), mosquito coils (38%) and often several methods are used (such as spray before sleeping then bed net or coils during the night). It was reported an average of 2.4 bed/house but only 1 bednet/house showing the need for procuring nets for everyone. The main reasons for non-using nets are “uncomfortable” (reported by 30% while it was only 10% by people actually using the net!), hot, not easy to use while the costs did not appear as the main problem. The estimated cost of mosquito control at household level was estimated at around 2 to 4 $/month 25% of households declared having had a child sick during the last 15 days with a cost around 5 to 10 $ US; cost which was similar for treatment of child or adults.
 It would be interesting to implement such KAP surveys after the distribution of LLIN in the framework of the National Malaria Control and underline changes in perception and use of mosquito/malaria vector control at household level.