Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malaria control among communities living in the south Cameroon forest region

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.

Keywords: Cameroon; HoH, head of household; IRS, indoor residual spraying; KAP; KAP, knowledge, attitude, and practice; LLIN, long-lasting insecticidal net; MoH, Ministry of Health. PBO, piperonyl butoxide; NMCP, National Malaria Control Program; WHO, World Health Organization; forested area; mRDT, malaria rapid diagnostic test; malaria determinants; malaria prevalence.

Figure 1

Map of the southern part of Cameroon, showing both study sites.