Characteristics of social migration, malaria epidemiology anf related risk factors in migrants in Ea Sup district, Dak Lak province, 2002-2004

ABSTRACT

A study on epidemiological characteristics of migration and malaria was carried out in Ea Sup district, Dak Lak province in 2002-2004. The findings showed that the migrants from the North in 2-5 recent years stayed permanently in the new land (98.8%). The main reason for migration was the economic factor (95.5%). The migrants were exposed to the malaria infection during their 1-2 week moving time and lack of protection means, such as bednets (83.0%) and antimalarial drugs (17%). The living place of the migrants was isolated and closed to the forest with temporary house (97%), and the malaria prevalence and incidence were high. There is no significant difference in malaria infection rates by gender, ethnic and parasite species. The risk factors were due to working and sleeping in the forest (98%), and poor structured houses (86%). The knowledge on malaria of the migrants was higher than local people (77% vs. 52%), but the income was lower (50% and 78%). The lack of bednets was 67% and the use of bednets was 90%. The rates of health care seeking behavior and accessing to health information were low 36-56% and 27 30%.