Community Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Malaria Control: A Study of Ten Health Areas in the Dschang District, Cameroon
Djam Chefor Alain *
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon and Global Health Innovation and Research Initiative (GHIRI), Cameroon.
Earnest Njih Tabah
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon and Research Initiative in Tropical and Community Health (RITCH), Yaounde, Cameroon.
Noumedem Kenfack Jaures Arnaud
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Signing Teddy Martial
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Lele Deffo Carole
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Bong Wobenso Jessica Grace
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Guthe Kamdem Brice
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Ngue Vinyle Ines Aude
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Momo Anoumbo Urbain Ulrich
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Njih Beri Nkini
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Nouni Noula Armand J.
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Douandji Sokeng M
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Nguetse Zambou Lintia Samira
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Manfouo Tandah I.T.
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Dountio Piatat Xena
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Tenonfo Tesse Franky Maxwell
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Tejiodonkeng Kengmo Carolle
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Ngneche Kakeu Pascaline Laure
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Stessye Nouaton Tankou Nylor
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Mbotuiah Mbolueh Henry
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Korin Neh Nforbi
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Prowo Dongmo Styve U
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Germaine Ndah Alombah
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Kenhale Zebaze Lunelle
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: According to the latest WHO data from 2022, 608,000 deaths are attributed to malaria, with 94% in Africa. Gaps persist due to insufficient knowledge, negative attitudes, and inadequate practices among at-risk populations. In order to achieve the WHO 2030 targets, it is crucial to conduct in-depth investigations.
Objective: He was question of assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices of communities with regard to the fight against malaria in the health district of Dschang.
Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical component conducted in 10 health areas of the Dschang district from December 2024 to July 2025. It targeted individuals aged 15 years and older. A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling was used. The chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to estimate the crude and adjusted ORs with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: The results of our study revealed that 96.51% of participants correctly identified mosquito bites as a mode of malaria transmission. Fever was recognized as a symptom of malaria by 99.76% of respondents, while the use of mosquito nets as a means of prevention was recognized by 98.67%. An average level of knowledge about malaria was observed among 68.80% of participants. Regarding attitudes, 83.01% of individuals perceived malaria as "fairly serious" or "very serious", and 54.22% of participants showed positive attitudes towards malaria. Regarding practices, 74.1% had adequate malaria control practices. Factors significantly associated with inadequate practices (p<0.001) include gender (male), education level (secondary) (ORa 2.38; 95% CI: 1.36-4.13; p=0.002). In addition, monthly income level (less than 50,000 FCFA: ORa 3.61; 95% CI: 1.65-7.86; p=0) and insufficient knowledge (ORa 17.35; 95% CI: 3.64-82.74; p=0) or average knowledge (ORa 17.29; 95% CI: 3.97-75.24; p=0) were also significant factors. Female gender (ORa 0.2; 95% CI: 0.11-0.33; p=0) and the presence of children under 5 years old at home (ORa 0.33; 95% CI: 0.19-0.58; p=0) appeared as protective factors.
Conclusion: The study reveals an average level of knowledge and predominantly positive attitudes. However, sociodemographic and knowledge factors significantly influence inappropriate practices.
Keywords: Knowledge, attitudes, practices, populations, malaria, Dschang