Malaria and Its Prevention: Socio-acceptability in the Application of Insecticides-treated Bed Nets Among Household Heads in the Rural Village Community of Mazabuka, Zambia
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.2.24
- Author:
Jane Banda
1
;
Nur Raihana Ithnin
1
;
Malina Osman
2
;
Rukman Awang Hamat
1
Author Information
1. Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
2. Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Insecticide-treated bed nets, Socio-acceptability, Malaria, Rural Zambia
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023;19(No.2):159-169
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Malaria poses immerse public health challenges in the world as it is still causing significant morbidity
and mortality especially in endemic regions such as Zambia. One of the effective tools in preventing malaria is the
application of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs). This study aims to explored the socio-acceptability of malaria and
ITNs among rural village community of Mazabuka, Zambia. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 177 respondents via two different approached methods; focus group discussions and one-to-one interviews
to assess the level of KAP of the respondents about malaria and ITNs. Results: Most of the respondents (98.7%) possessed ITNs that were provided free of charge by the Ministry of Health Zambia. Overall, the knowledge and attitude
of respondents on malaria and ITNs were at moderate levels of 68.1% and 71.8%, respectively. In contrast, the level
of practice was poor with only 36.2% of positive response. Although 92.1% of the respondents answered correctly
on the association between malaria and mosquito bites, myths and misconceptions were still common as some of
them still attributed malaria to drinking dirty waters (32.8%), bad weather (15.8%), witchcraft (3.4%), and bathing
dirty water (19.8%). The practice was significantly associated with knowledge (p=0.003), but not attitude (p=0.230).
Logistic regression analysis revealed that respondents with high knowledge level and tertiary education were more
likely to use ITNs correctly (OR=2.957; OR=21.739, respectively). Conclusion: The present study showed that the
knowledge gaps were remained among the villagers as misconceptions and their believe of myths were still exist.
- Full text:11.2023my1474.pdf
