Malaria-Related Knowlegde, Treatment and Prevention Practices in Peri-Urban Kumasi, Ghana

The research examined malaria-related knowledge, treatment and preventive measures among peri-urban residents of Kumasi, Ghana. A total of 249 respondents were surveyed from Emena, Appiadu, Kokoben and Donyina. The study,... [ view full abstract ]

The research examined malaria-related knowledge, treatment and preventive measures among peri-urban residents of Kumasi, Ghana. A total of 249 respondents were surveyed from Emena, Appiadu, Kokoben and Donyina. The study, which was retrospective and population-based employed cluster and simple random sampling in obtaining relevant data. Quantitative techniques such as chi-square analysis were predominantly used in the analysis of data. Majority of the respondents ( 98.8%) were reported to have heard of malaria and recognized it as a major health problem. Even though, there were several misconceptions, a greater number of the respondents (representing 96%) stated that the disease was caused by the mosquito. The awareness of the respondents to the disease was very high. The respondents relied on both the traditional and conventional medicine for the treatment of the disease. However, the conventional medicine was used more than the traditional medicine. Almost all the respondents believed that malaria was preventable. Majority of the respondents (74.7%) preferred to use mosquito nets as the most efficient preventable measure. About 62.4% and 22.2% of the people preferred conventional medicine and traditional medicine respectively for treatment of the disease. It was revealed that education has no statistical relationship with knowledge on malaria. It is recommended that policies be implemented on national malaria control programmes. In addition, quality drugs should be obtained by the government through the national health insurance scheme to treat malaria cases. Adequate insight into community’s perception of illness and their health-seeking can complement existing knowledge and lead to the development of more efficient malaria control measures.

Keywords: Malaria, Knowledge, Treatment Practices, Preventive Practices