Malaria elimination practices in rural community residents in Rwanda: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Rwanda is moving towards malaria pre-elimination phase by the year 2017 and the role of the community will be critical. However, there is limited information about community perspective of the malaria elimination strategy. A study was thus designed to explore that.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire. A total of 150 community residents from 10 villages in a high endemic area in Bugesera district, Eastern Province, Rwanda, participated in this study. Multi stage sampling was used to select households.

Results: Knowledge and attitude were main factors contributing to malaria elimination practices. Most participants knew that the mosquito was the vector which transmits malaria (90.7%, n=136); malaria was transmitted to humans by bites of mosquito infected with malaria (90.7%, n=136). Most key signs and symptoms as well as control measures for malaria were known to the participants. Their attitude about complete malaria elimination was highly positive (90.7%, n=136).

Conclusion: The community in Bugesera area were quite optimistic of the malaria elimination targets and  what is needed to be done is to support those who are not yet quite aware of the activities in this direction.

Key words: Malaria elimination practices, community, knowledge, attitude, Rwanda, Africa