Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malaria prevention and control among general community members in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu (South India) Geetha P.*, Bergin R. V. Bibi, Rani Komal, Kanniammal V. Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai-117 *Corresponding Author E-mail: lgeethapharma@gmail.com
Online published on 16 September, 2020. Abstract Background: Malaria is a type of infectious disease which is transmitted by female Anopheles mosquito (mosquito borne infection) and is caused by the protozoan parasite of genus Plasmodium. This study was conducted to assess public's knowledge on malaria. The survey forms were distributed among the households of community to conclude their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding malaria. Methodology: This study comprised of validated questionnaire distributed among community members along with the patient leaflet to enhance their knowledge about malaria. The knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaire was used to conduct a house to house survey to assess public's knowledge on malaria in CORA campus, Thalakancherry of Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu in South India. Result: A total of 269 households participated in our study. Almost every participant knew about malaria, 97% of them had the knowledge that malaria is transmitted by mosquito and 92% of them had the idea that female Anopheles is the vector spreading this disease. Public's attitudes towards control and prevention of malaria was somewhat good with 56% of them had the belief that prevention of malaria can be done by avoiding mosquito bite, 16% of them had the idea that it is best treated in hospital. Among the participant few (1.5%) had believe that malaria can be caused by witchcraft and 7.4% of members had the thought that the traditional system of medicine with herbs is most effective in the treatment of malarial infection. The preventive measures and habits regarding malaria among the general public was also appreciable with (56%) of them mentioning that providing health education on hygiene and sanitation to the society can effectively prevent malaria in the society. Conclusion: Public attitudes and practices regarding malaria seemed quite high. Community members still require awareness programs on malarial prevention and control. The members seemed to have lack of knowledge regarding the malaria vector breeding area and the medication for treatment of malaria. Patient leaflet was distributed to each participating member to enhance their knowledge regarding the malarial infection. Top Keywords Malaria, Community members, Female Anopheles, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices. Top |