Knowledge, attitude and practice towards malaria in rural tribal communities of south Bastar district of Madhya Pradesh.

ABSTRACT

A sample survey of 100 household heads was carried out in Bastar district to assess villagers knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about malaria and their implications for malaria control. Results show that 64.4% of respondents were illiterate and only 20.6% of respondents know the factor for cause of malaria though 45% of household heads received some form of health education from various sources. Respondents who suffered from malaria in previous year constituted 35.8% while 46.8% respondents reported for treatment to nearby PHC, 59.1% respondents admitted the responsibility of male head-of-family to take decision to seek health care malaria. About 34.6% of respondents suspect malaria to any fever. A meagre respondents (8.2%) knew the drug for treatment of malaria, and majority of respondents (70.9%) had taken a complete course of malaria treatment. About 55% respondents did not take any measure to prevent mosquito bite, while 92.4% admitted that they had not taken any measures to prevent malaria. All most all respondents (99.7%) agreed to allow their houses to be sprayed and 99.1% thought that spraying was necessary. The study shows, for successful control of malaria in tribal areas, proper health education about the disease, awareness of personal protection and preventive measures against malaria should be carried out in such a way that should be need based, suitable for the area concern and acceptable, along with active involvement of the communities.