KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF MALARIA PREVENTION METHODS AMONG RESIDENTS OF ARBA MINCH TOWN AND ARBA MINCH ZURIA DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To date, there is no effective vaccine or no effective drug for mass chemoprophylaxis againstmalaria. Thus, proper know-how and use of prevention methods is crucial. This study aims to assess the knowledgeand practice of malaria prevention methods among the residents of Arba Minch area, Southern Ethiopia.METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study that utilized a two-stage sampling was conducted fromJanuary 22 to February 1, 2007 on a sample of 454 household heads or their deputies. SPSS 16 for windows wasused for data analysis. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact probability tests were used to assess the association ofselected variables with place of residence.RESULTS: Majority (86.8%) of the respondents mentioned fever as a symptom of malaria, and 98.2% of therespondents reported mosquito bite as the cause of malaria. Three hundred and eighty four (84.6%) of therespondents mentioned mosquito nets as protective measures against mosquito bites. The protective measure mostlyused by the respondents or other household members in t he last 12 months was mosq uito net (73.3%) followed byaerosol insecticide (13%) with the former being used more i n rural areas and the latter in urban areas.CONCLUSION: The study subjects’ awareness regarding the cause, symptoms and preventive measures of malariawas high. Use of mosquito net as protective measure against mosquito bites in the last 12 months was high.However, use of other preventive measures was low. Behavioral change communication is required to increase theuse of other preventive measures along with mosquito nets.