Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Malaria Among Residents of Ganye, Adamawa State, North-Eastern Nigeria
Keywords:
Malaria, insecticide treated nets, KAP, North-eastern NigeriaAbstract
Background: A study on knowledge, attitudes and practices against malaria was conducted among residents of Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria to describe the knowledge and practices on malaria among residents.
Methods: Four hundred structured questionnaires were administered to participating households. Blood sampleswere collected for preparation of stained blood smears which were examined microscopically atX100.
Result: The results show that, all respondents had heard of malaria. Knowledge of malaria cause and transmission was low, as only 0.5% of respondents identified plasmodium parasite as the cause as ell only 2.0% said malaria is transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquito. Respondents’ knowledge of signs and symptoms was high as majority could identify: fever/hotness of body (90.0), headache (62.0%), vomiting (39.8%), body weakness (28.0%), shivering (23.5%) and loss of appetite (18.5%). Also respondent’s knowledge of mosquito behaviour and breeding site was high well. Latrine/toilets (76.3%), tall grasses and bushes (75.3%), stagnant water (62.3%) were the most frequently mentioned breeding sites. knowledge of preventive measures against malaria through the use of bed nets as the most effective means of preventing mosquito bites was high among respondents as 69.5% reported ownership of bed nets. These might have been the reason for majority of respondents who indicated that they or their family members sleep under treat bed nets every night.
Conclusion: Respondents show good treatment seeking practices as majority of them report immediately to the available health facility when the notice symptoms of malaria. Educating the public on proper and regular use of treated nets will help in reducing the suffering from malaria which is the major reason for hospital visits.
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