Malaria Knowledge, Attitude, Perception and Practices in Gusau Metropolis, Zamfara State (A Preliminary Report II)

Abstract

Malaria knowledge, attitude, perception and practices (KAPP) of patients who attended the Microbiology Laboratories of Ahmad Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and Federal Medical Centre of Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria, between January to December, 2017 was studied. One thousand, one hundred and one (1101) participants (consisted of 428(38.87%) females and 673(61.13%) males) participated and a structured questionnaire was used. The knowledge of the participants about malaria parasites, mosquito vector, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control was remarkable. Majority 796(72.3%) had positive attitude towards malaria infection and in seeking treatment. The perception on malaria (in relation to causes, symptoms, vector, diagnosis and treatment) of the respondents was impressive and this was however guided the positive attitude. The practices of the respondents on
malaria diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention varies from individual to individual with majority 655(59.49%) using doctor’s prescription, 601(54.49%) using the artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Both adults and children slept under mosquito net with majority 745(67.67%) using insecticide residual sprays both indoor and outdoor.