Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Associated Risk Factors of Communities Towards to Malaria Prevention and Control in Adaberga District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: In Ethiopia, more than three-quarter of the landmass (altitude <2000 mas) of the country is malarious, and about 68 % (>50 million people) of the total population is residing in areas at risk of malaria infection. Pregnant women and children are the most vulnerable groups. Objective: To assess Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and associated risk factors of the community towards to malaria prevention and control in Adaberga district Biyo wagadi kebele. Methods: Cross sectional study design was used to assess knowledge, attitude and practice towards to malaria prevention and control options. The source population was all households of the kebele’s. The questionnaires were translated to Afan Oromo. Totally 212 households participated. About 69 (32.5%) of the respondents were between 18-24 years old.Results: This study revealed that 203(95.8%) of the respondents had information about malaria, but 9(4.2%) had no information about malaria. Sign and symptoms raised were Fever 103(48.6%), headache 92(43.4%), vomiting 11(5.2%), muscle pain 17(8%), loss of appetite 23(10.9%). 43.9% knew that malaria is transmitted through mosquito bite; where as 34.4% responded that malaria transmitted through mosquito bite and other insects, 9.4% responded that malaria transmission is through drinking contaminated water.Conclusion: This study indicated that most of the respondents knew that fever as signs and symptoms of malaria. The levels of knowledge, attitude and practice of study participants on prevention and control of malaria were high, so the study participants had been regarded as knowledgeable. Associated risk factors were sex, age, educational level, occupation, and religion of respondents.

Keywords:Malaria, KAP, Adaberga District, Ethiopia