A Malaria Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Survey in a Rural Community in Guinea

Abstract

AbstractMalaria is the top public health problem in the Republic of Guinea. In 2016, we conducted a cross-sectional household survey in Timbi-Touni, Guinea using community workers. The survey included respondent demographic characteristics, child health, child health promotion related to malaria knowledge, water and sanitation, and health services access. Majority of our respondents were women (89.41%) and had never been to school (71.18%). Slightly more than half the children were reported to have ever had malaria and 45% reported to have ever had diarrhea. We did not find any statistically significant association between gender or level of education and malaria knowledge. Eighty six percent of respondents had received a free bednet during national campaigns and 61% slept under a bednet the night before the survey. We found a statistically significant association between receiving information on malaria prevention and sleeping under a bednet. There was no statistically significant association between drinking water source and malaria or diarrhea. Both malaria and diarrhea were considered to be serious illnesses for adults and children by nearly all respondents. Insights from our detailed KAP survey can guide policy makers and practitioners who design and implement malaria control and prevention measures in Guinea.