Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Malaria in Mbonge and Kumba Sub-divisions in Cameroon

Aims: To assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding transmission, prevention and treatment of malaria in four rural settings and one urban neighborhood.

Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive survey carried out in Cameroon.

Place and Duration of Study: This study took place in rural Mbonge division (Pete, Marumba-1, Marumba-2, and Bai Manya) and one neighbourhood in a urban town (Kumba), South West region of Cameroon between May and July 2015.

Methodology: 227 participants (118 males and 109 females) took part in this study. Information was collected with a pre-tested questionnaire with mostly closed-ended questions and a few open-ended questions. Questions focused on socio-demographic parameters, knowledge attitudes and practices with respect to malaria. Data was analysed using SPSS Statistics version 22 (SPSS Inc. IBM). p values <0.05 were considered significant.

Results: 118(52%) males and 109(48.0%) females were part of this study. Malaria was listed as the most common disease in all the settings without exception. In the rural settings, respondents related transmission of malaria to mosquito as follows: 53.3% in Pete, 70.7% in Marumba-2, 53.3% in Marumba-1, 65% in Bai Manya. In the urban setting, Kumba, 85.4% of respondents said malaria was caused by a mosquito bite. Other factors listed as ways in which malaria was transmitted include: using the same cup, dirtiness, dirty water, through drugs, bad environment, wind, sun and red fly. Mosquito nets were predominantly used for malaria prevention. These were obtained mostly as government donations. Respondents sought formal help mostly after 48 hours from onset of symptoms. Self-medication was commonly practiced irrespective of setting.

Conclusion: This study has shown that participants in Mbonge sub-division and Buea-road Kumba have gaps in knowledge about malaria transmission, prevention and treatment. There is a need for tailored health-education intervention building on formal and local knowledge to reduce the imposed burden of malaria.