KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF MALARIA AMONG GENERAL POPULATION OF NAWABSHAH

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a major public health problem in Pakistan, causing high morbidity and mortality. Across the world malaria causes between 300-500 million cases every year leads to million. Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is essential for effective prevention and control.

Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices toward malaria among the general population of Nawabshah.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 participants from the general population of Nawabshah at Department of medicine at people’s medical civil hospital Nawabshah. The questionnaire covered demographics information as well as respondent knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malaria. The data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 25 Frequencies, Percentage determined.

Results: The mean age of participants was 36.72 ± 12.31 years, with 63.6% males and 56% residing in rural areas. Most respondents were married (76.4%) and Muslim (85.8%).the mean size of respondent family size is 10.79 with SD =4.443.The most of the respondent were rural 154(56.00%) and 121(44.00%).Most of the respondents were Sindhi 173(62.9%). The most of the respondent were illiterate 136(49.45%) most of the respondent have middle class 143(52.0%).The most of the respondent occupation is farmer 72(26.2%). Knowledge about malaria was Average to good, with 62.5% identifying fever as a symptom and 75.3% recognizing mosquito bites as the main transmission mode. Positive attitudes were observed in 86.55% of respondents. However, preventive practices were inadequate, with 51.27% showing poor practices. Barriers included low socioeconomic status, lack of affordability, and limited awareness of proper preventive measures.

Conclusion: While knowledge and attitudes toward malaria were generally positive, actual preventive practices were insufficient. Strengthening health education, improving access to affordable preventive tools, and promoting proper use of malaria control measures are essential to reduce malaria transmission in Nawabshah.