Community knowledge on transmission of malaria and its management practice in Oorelope local government, southwestern region, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria control is a major challenge in many endemic countries including Nigeria; implementation of evidenced-based control strategies is therefore needful in the sustainability of malaria control programme. Across-sectional study was designed to investigate perception of two communities in Oyo state using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Of 500 people enrolled for the study, Ninety six percent of respondents reported to have heard of malaria. Though majority reported mosquito as major transmitter of the infection but only 22.6% has adequate knowledge of the correct transmission route. Misconception about the causative agent of malaria is high, only 13.2% mentioned Plasmodium species as the causative agent. The knowledge about the ecology of mosquito was greatly applauded in the study area. Health-seeking behaviors and possession of insecticidal treated bet net were found to be associated with socioeconomic status of individual. In spite of the high knowledge about malaria demonstrated in this study, some misconceptions about transmission and symptom still exist. The need to improve the spreading of information about malaria through rural dispensaries and primary health centers is essential for resounding success to be recorded.

Keywords: Malaria, Knowledge, Transmission, Misconception, Causative agent, Treatment, Bed net, Oorelope, Oyo State, Nigeria