RESUMEN
A cross-sectional study was undertaken to identify the prevalence of malaria infection, behavioral patterns of inhabitants and risk factors for malaria infection in a minority village in an area endemic for malaria in Vietnam. The target population were all the inhabitants of a village in Binh Phuoc Province, Vietnam. Interviews using a structured questionnaire and blood examination for malaria infection were conducted in house-to-house visits. Relationships between malaria infection and variables were examined using uni- and multivariate adjusted analysis. A total of 682 individuals from 159 households participated in both the interview and blood examinations. All households earned income through farming without forest activities at night, and the socio-economic status was generally not very low. The total prevalence of malaria infection was 6.2%, with a peak among 3- to 5-year-old children. Univariate analysis identified 3 - 5 year olds, a family size of > or =5 people, sleeping with >3 people in a bed, and living in a wooden/bamboo house as factors associated with malaria infection. Multivariate adjusted analysis after variable selection identified age 3 - 5 years old, a family size of > or =5 people and living in a wooden/bamboo house were significantly related to malaria infection. Malaria in this area can be controlled by basic activities, such as early diagnosis and treatment and prevention using bednets, since risk factors for malaria infection did not include forest activities, but were young age, living in a wooden/bamboo house and belonging to a large family. Continuous and intensive expansion of existing malaria control activities are required.
RESUMEN
The malaria disease burden is increasing in many countries despite the existence of effective preventative strategies and antimalarial drugs. An understanding of community perspectives and practices is one of the essential components of a successful malaria control program. This paper reports on a KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices) survey among the Raglai ethnic minority population in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam, which in 2003 had one of the country's highest confirmed rates of malaria. We found high levels of correct knowledge about malaria's transmission and symptoms, and self-reports of adequate bed net usage and appropriate health-seeking behavior. While the survey generated useful findings, an initial, qualitative investigation (eg, observation and focus group discussions) to explore the large numbers of potential influences on behavior and exposure risk would have provided a more robust underpinning for the design of survey questions. This would have strengthened its validity and generated additional information. The adoption of rigorous, multi-disciplinary research methods offers the best chance of contributing to the development of successful malaria control programs and effective policies.