Assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices on malaria interventions among Mansa residents in Luapula Province

Abstract

In Zambia, Northern, North Western, Muchinga, and Luapula Province are the region’s most susceptible to the disease due to the excessive rainfall they have in those seasons. The prevalence in the province of Luapula is 600 to 700 cases per 1000 population annually. The highest rate of malaria in Luapula Province has been recorded in Mansa and it was found that Mansa had a total population of 257,517 with a total of 189,407cases of which 86% were laboratory confirmed and recorded in the year 2015. The qualitative research was conducted with a case study design and data was collected through in-depth interviews and questionnaires (N = 20) focused on pregnant women, mothers of under-five children. The results showed that most participants had knowledge about Malaria prevention intervention and positive attitudes towards them. In spite of this few participants were still not aware and had prioritized other means of dealing with malaria. The majority of study participants had awareness of malaria or were well informed about it, however some participant’s attitudes and practises were contrary to the matter. Health institutions offer free malaria treatment and routine IRS spraying, but because of unfavourable experiences and a lack of awareness, the initiative has not been able to get the necessary full coverage.