An application of cultural model to assess and compare malaria prevention among Afghani migrant and Baluchi resident in the endemic area, southeastern Iran.

To improve malaria control measures, taking into account local beliefs and practices are essential. In the present study, the PEN-3 culture model as a theoretical framework was employed to examine how health beliefs, behaviors and practices associated with malaria prevention in two communities, Afghani refugees and Bluchi residents in a malaria endemic area located in southeast of Iran. A mixed-methodology was designed by means of two quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups. Cross-sectional survey using questionnaires combined with focus group discussions carried out by using a pre-coded questionnaire and eight qualitative focus groups were held. In total, 385 participants volunteered to take the cross-sectional survey, with 194 Afghanis, 191 Bluchis completing quantitative surveys and also 46 participated in the qualitative focus groups. Symptoms of malaria were the most frequently mentioned by both groups. A significant association between education level and knowledge on malaria transmission was also observed within both communities. Although the majority of respondents associated the disease transmission with mosquito bites only 16.5% Afghanis as compared to 63.4% Baluchis reported to use mosquito net. Data from focus group emerged three themes includes similarity in perception about malaria, difference in type of treatment and decision making and, finally resemblance to prevention of malaria in both communities. In the study, cultural differences in the recognition and interpretation of prevention and treatment of malaria within two communities were identified. Cultural match of Afghani and Baluchi perspective to malaria interventions and services will improve receptivity to, acceptance of, and salience of these efforts.

Community capacity assessment in preventing substance abuse: a participatory approach.

BACKGROUND: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) increasingly is being used to address health issues. Few evidence exist to indicate how builds the capacity of communities to function as health promoter and what resources are required to promote successful efforts. This article presents the result of a capacity assessment for preventing drug abuse through CBPR, which working with rather than in communities, to strengthen a community's problem-solving capacity. For exploring the perception of stakeholders, a dynamic model of the dimensions of community and partnership capacity served as the theoretical framework. METHODS: In this descriptive research, stakeholder analysis helps us to identify appropriate of stakeholders (Key stakeholders). Data were collected using a topic guide concerned with capacity for preventing drug abuse. Interviews were audiotape and transcribed. Data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: CBPR has been undertaken to involve local people in making decisions about the kind of change they want in their community and the allocation of resources to reduce substance abuse. We identified key stakeholders and examining their interests, resources and constraints of different stakeholders. CONCLUSION: The current study has shown the benefits of community-based participatory approach in assessing capacity. Through CBPR process people who affected by Drug issue engaged in analysis of their own situation and helps identity innovative solutions for their complex problem. This participatory approach to a capacity assessment resulted in a synergistic effort that provided a more accurate picture of community issues and concerns.

Mosquito vector biting and community protection in a malarious area, siahoo district, hormozgan, iran.

BACKGROUND: Use of bed-net continues to offer potential strategy for malaria prevention in endemic areas. Local communities are indispensable during design and implementation stages. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 192 randomly selected inhabitants was carried out in malarious zone, Siahoo direstrict, Hormozgan Province, southern Iran. In addition, we monitored human landing periodicity of main malaria vectors and as well as self-protection of inhabitant in the study area for a period of one transmission season between April to October 2006. RESULTS: The biting activities were seen throughout the whole night for three malaria vectors, Anopheles fluviatilis, An. stephensi and An. dthali, and An. fluviatilis exhibiting bimodal peaks, the first at midnight (0:00-1:00) and the other before dawn (5:00-6:00 am) but the maximum biting activity of An. stephensi was occurred at second quarter of night (11:00-12:00 pm). The majority of interviewers (83.3%) knew that malaria was transmitted by mosquitoes and 70.3% of them stated that bed-net is the best control measures. Most subjects (62%) did not have a mosquito net. CONCLUSION: Study subjects were aware of an association between mosquito bite and malaria transmission. Health workers at different levels of the health care delivery system should disseminate relevant information about self-protection to help community members to be involved more in malaria control.