Knowledge, practices and perceptions which affect acquiring malaria in man-made malarious area in Khartoum State, Sudan

ABSTRACT

A cross- sectional descriptive study was carried out among people of ElAzergab area. This area was chosen as a model to study Sudanese malaria knowledge attitude and practices (KAP) in man-made malarious areas. This area is situated along the eastern bank of the River Nile north of Khartoum North; in Khartoum State. The aim is to determine risk factors associated with malaria. Data were collected from 167 households. The survey deals with sociodemographic characteristics; history of malaria; knowledge; attitudes; practices; preservation measures and treatment seeking behaviour. Ninety one percent of household heads reported malaria attack among household members in the previous year. Risk of malaria attack was significantly associated with family grade of education; occupation of household head; water and electric supply; economic status of the family; number of rooms; expenses of treatment; treatment seeking behaviour. About 76.6of household heads reported delayed treatment seeking behaviour for malaria. Knowledge; attitude and practice have no association with malaria attacks except for a 2- fold increased risk of malaria in people obtaining water from irrigation canals