Bamou R, Tchuinkam T, Kopya E, Awono-Ambene P, Njiokou F, Mwangangi J, Antonio-Nkondjio C. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malaria control among communities living in the south Cameroon forest region.
IJID REGIONS 2022;
5:169-176. [PMID:
36467507 PMCID:
PMC9713328 DOI:
10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.11.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding malaria among communities living in the equatorial forest region of south Cameroon.
METHODS
The study was conducted in Olama and Nyabessan. Interviews were undertaken using a semi-structured questionnaire for data collection on KAP, while malaria rapid diagnostic testing, using SD BIOLINE kits, was employed for malaria parasite detection.
RESULTS
In total, 186 heads of households (HoH), comprising 105 (56.45%) males and 81 (43.45%) females, were interviewed. The majority of HoH demonstrated good knowledge of malaria (86.56%; n = 161) and control measures, with a high proportion of long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) ownership (96.8%; n = 180). More than two-thirds (81.1%; n = 151) of households owned at least one LLIN for two people. The majority of HoH (85.40%) declared visiting hospitals or clinics in cases of suspected malaria. Malaria parasite prevalence was high in the two study sites (63.9% in Nyabessan and 48.65% in Olama), and varied according to age, house type, and sleeping time.
CONCLUSION
The study indicated that despite good knowledge of malaria, high possession and utilization of control measures by population, transmission of malaria still persist in the area. The study stress the need for implementing additional control measures to improve the fight against malaria in the area.
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