Knowledge, attitude and practices towards malaria prevention and control among adult patients in Apac General Hospital (OPD), Apac District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/1akpbd74Keywords:
Malaria prevention, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices, Insecticide-treated nets, Apac DistrictAbstract
Background:
Malaria is a severe disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to malaria prevention and control among adult patients attending the Outpatient Department of Apac General Hospital in Apac District.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. Data were gathered from 60 adult patients using simple random sampling using a structured questionnaire, and the analysis was conducted with Microsoft Excel 2013.
Results:
All 100% respondents had heard of malaria, and almost all 97% knew its mode of transmission. Meanwhile, knowledge of curability was also strong (93 % believed malaria is curable). Attitudinally, 73 % agreed on the importance of antimalarial adherence, and 100 % viewed prevention positively and 65 % regularly used insect‑treated nets (ITNs) while 7 % never did; 55 % eliminated stagnant water daily (8 % never); 86 % sought medical care for fever (2 % used traditional remedies); 73 % inspected homes for breeding sites; and 68 % used repellents this indicated positive attitude. These figures generally exceed those reported in comparable regional studies, though small gaps persist among non‑users.
Conclusion:
Respondents showed good knowledge of malaria signs, transmission, and prevention. Most had positive attitudes toward malaria control and community participation.
Preventive practices like ITN use and timely treatment were generally followed.
Recommendation:
The MoH should enhance public health campaigns on malaria prevention and early treatment. The DHO should provide ongoing training and supervision for health workers. Hospitals should support patients in preventive practices and encourage community engagement.
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