Malaria Prevalence and Community Knowledge About its Control Tools in Chagni Town, Northwest Ethiopia
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Date
2018-09-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Malaria is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia. Knowing its prevalence and knowledge of the population about malaria symptoms and transmission is vital to ensure effective control strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malaria and the knowledge of the study population towards malaria and its control in Chagni town, Awi zone northwest Ethiopia. A health centered based cross sectional study design was used. Finger prick blood samples were collected from malaria suspected patients visiting Chagni health center from September 2017 up to February 2018 and examined following standard procedures to determine the prevalence of malaria. Further, 274 samples were selected using systematic simple random sampling method for household questionnaire to assess the knowledge about malaria symptoms, transmission and control and interview for malaria focal person and head of the health center. The data was analyzed and presented using tables and figures; chi square test was used to analyze proportion of malaria prevalence. Out of 4,077 suspected patients tested, 296 (7.3%) were malaria slide positive, of this 163 (55%), 131 (44.3%) and 2 (0.7%) were P. falciparum, P. vivax and mixed infections respectively. Age was statistically significant with malaria slide positivity (P=0.001). This study also revealed that 97% of the respondents had heard about malaria and recognized it as a health problem. Taking tablet (86.3%), mosquito net (73.3%), removing stagnant water (68%) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) (66%) were the commonest malaria prevention methods mentioned by the study participants. The net coverage and net used in the previous night were 98% and 75% respectively. The IRS coverage in the study area was 99%, out of this 77.5% of the participant’s house were sprayed in the last six month. Malaria prevalence was 7.3% and the knowledge of malaria symptoms was good but there is misconception on its transmission and prevention in the study area. Environmental management activities to control mosquito breeding site is poor in the study area. Concerned bodies are recommended to fill the gap.
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Keywords
Malaria, Prevalence, Control, Knowledge, Chagni, Insecticide Treated Net, Indoor Residual Spraying