Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of the Community Towards Malaria Prevention in Nono District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional Stat, Ethiopia
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Date
2024-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Malaria is one of the world's most significant and widespread diseases, caused by a protozoan parasite from the Plasmodium genus. Ethiopia and other underdeveloped nations are home to the two main malaria parasite species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Although several control measures have been implemented in Ethiopia, the inhabitants' health issue remains unresolved. The main objective of this study was to assess the community's knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors related to malaria in several malaria-affected areas in the Nono District of the West Shoa zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. There was a cross-sectional household survey that was descriptive and based in the community. Using purposive and systematic sampling, the respondents were chosen from among the entire population of the four chosen kebeles. Out of the four malarious kebeles that were chosen for the sample size, 362 men and 22 women were methodically chosen from the Nono district's total population. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques were employed in the study. Almost all the respondents (97.13%) heard and had knowledge about human health impact of malaria. The majority (90.36%) of respondents knew that malaria is caused by bite of mosquitoes. Regarding malaria symptoms, the most commonly reported were chills and shivering (98.17%) and fever (95.83%). Additionally, over 98% of respondents were aware that malaria can be transmitted between people. The majority (95.83%) of respondents believed that malaria is a preventable disease. Nearly, all (99.21%) the respondents of the study subjects thought that the use of bed net could prevent malaria, followed by drainage of stagnant water (98.69%). Greater than 95% of the respondents knew about insecticide treated nets (ITN), whereas 4.95% didn’t hear about ITN in Nono district of the selected malarious kebeles. ITN was used by young people (97.13%), pregnant women (95.05%), and children under five years of age (94.01%). Regarding treatment seeking tradition, about 39.84% take traditional medicine, whereas others want health extension center (35.15%). Greater than 86% of the residents strongly agreed but 13.03% agreed that malaria was one of the major health problems. Almost all (99.21%) of the respondents thought that the use of bed nets could prevent malaria, followed by removal of standing water (98.69%), apply insecticide to the house. (96.61%), taking tablets or drugs (92.44%), using traditional medicine (84.11%), closing windows and doors (81.25%). The study revealed a significant gap between the respondents' knowledge of preventive measures and their actual practice of malaria prevention and control methods. Therefore, it is crucial that health education initiatives be implemented, and greater attention and priority be given to minimizing this gap in the community's knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices regarding malaria.
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Keywords
Anopheles, Breeding Site, Malaria Infection, Stagnant Water, Bed Net