Problem statement
Rationale of the study
Significance of the study
Purpose of the study
Objectives of the study
Conceptual framework
Definition of concepts
- Community
- Knowledge
- Prevention practices
- Malaria
LITERATURE REVIEW
Knowledge about malaria
- Knowledge about signs and symptoms of malaria
- Knowledge regarding malaria transmission
- Knowledge regarding causes of malaria
- Knowledge regarding traditional medicines of malaria
- Knowledge regarding sources of malaria
- Treatment seeking behaviour
The majority of participants indicated that malaria transmission usually occurs at night (Aderaw et al., 2013). In Zimbabwe, Ngarivhume (2014) revealed that the majority of participants indicated that malaria is caused by mosquito bites. Chirebvu (2013) indicated that the majority of the participants in Botswana knew about the preventive measures of malaria.
The study's findings showed that the majority of participants had knowledge of the main signs and symptoms of malaria, as they reported headache, vomiting and diarrhea and fever. The survey showed that the majority of participants rely on public health services because consultation is free. Evaluation of the progress, challenges and priorities of South Africa's malaria eradication strategy. 2012). The Literature Review: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Study design
A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to assess community members at Masisi village regarding their knowledge of malaria and preventive practices. The aim of this study was to assess community knowledge and practices of malaria at Masisi village, in Mutale Municipality, Vhembe District. Based on the purpose of this study, a quantitative study was considered the best design in which variables such as knowledge and practices would be well addressed.
A cross-sectional descriptive study allows the researcher to examine data at a point in time, which means that the researcher collects data at one point in time rather than at several points in time (Akinsola 2005).
Study setting
Study population
Sampling method
The participants were given a short description of the importance of the questionnaire and how to complete it. While completing the questionnaire, the researcher was in the same room in case the participants needed clarity with the questionnaire. To meet the objectives of the study, the researcher distributed questionnaires door-to-door to the participants who had agreed to participate in the study.
A copy of the findings will be handed over to the Department of Public Health of the municipality of Vhembe. 51% of the survey participants reported staying in formal houses and only 4% in cabins. The survey found that the majority of participants have completed their grades 8 -12 (secondary education) and only 7% of participants have never attended school.
The WHO (2007) revealed that literacy level can affect a person's ability to recognize signs and symptoms of malaria and knowledge of available treatment. The study found that the majority of participants had previously suffered from malaria and they showed a better understanding of malaria than those who never contracted malaria. Although the majority of participants have suffered from malaria before, they lack knowledge about the treatment used in clinics and hospitals.
The rest of the participants indicated the use of mosquito nets and coils to reduce malaria. The chapter also discusses the limitations, conclusions and recommendations made based on the study's findings. The aim of the study was to assess community knowledge and prevention practices of malaria in Mutale Municipality in Vhembe District.
The results of the survey indicate that most members of the community are not employed and the level of education is very low. The results of the study revealed that community members have knowledge about malaria transmission and its cause. The questionnaire will be completed in the presence of the researcher to create clarity in case of misunderstandings.
The researcher will ensure that no physical, emotional or psychological harm is caused to the respondent during the course of the study. Do you know the color of the medicine used to treat malaria in clinics/hospitals?
Criteria for inclusion
Sampling size
Sampling procedure
Systematic sampling was used in this way: the total number of households was divided by the sample size to find the K value, e.g. This means that in all blocks every 2nd household was chosen to be part of the study, but the 1st household was randomly chosen by the researcher and the other household was chosen after the 2nd interval. In each household, one member between the ages of 18 and 65 completed the questionnaire, preferably the head of the house.
Data collection tool
18 | P a g e the questionnaire because it preserves the privacy of the participants as it does not require the name of the participant. It was divided into three sections namely: section A: demographic information, section B: knowledge about malaria and section C: prevention practices related to malaria. The questionnaire was written in English and was given to a language expert to translate it into Tshivenda.
It was then translated back into English by the language expert to ensure that the original meaning was preserved.
Validity and reliability
- validity
- Face validity
- Content validity
Reliability
Data collection method
Data analysis method
Ethical considerations
- Permission to conduct the study
- Informed consent
- avoidance of harm
- voluntary participation
- Confidentiality and anonymity
This will be done with posters on the signs and symptoms and methods of malaria prevention. Although the community is aware of malaria prevention practices, it still needs to be done practically to eliminate malaria in the area.
Dissemination of the results
RESULTS OF THE STUDY
Demographic information
Findings from the study area showed that more (34.2%; n=54) of the participants were between 25 and 34 years of age and were female, probably because most of the women are heads of household and unemployed. However, the study was inconsistent with the findings of a study conducted by Shimaponda (2016) in Zambia, which reported more males (76.3%) than females (23.7%). The World Health Organization (2007) revealed that women who are pregnant are more susceptible to malaria than non-pregnant women due to reduced immunity.
37 | P a g e The level of unemployment in Masisi is very high, where only 27% of the participants turned out to work with 67.8% unemployment. Since the majority of the population in the Masisi area is not educated, it becomes difficult for them to find a permanent job. Another challenge is that Masisi village is far from the Vhembe district offices and the Musine offices, so it is difficult for them to go and apply for lessons and internships.
In a study conducted by Hlongwane in Swaziland, the majority of participants (473) were unemployed and 40 were trained employees (Hlongwane 2009). The present study was conducted at Masisi village and the new remaining blocks (phases 1, 2 and 3). Ondiba (2018) revealed that in Kenya, houses with open eaves, thatched houses and mud wall houses have higher vector density compared to houses with closed eaves.
The study further revealed that most of the participants reside in Masisi Village, while the rest reside in the newly constructed housing blocks (Phase 1, 2 and 3). Participants who live in Masisi village confirmed that they have been in this village for more than ten years. 38 | Page The new apartment blocks have access to municipal waste collection, which is carried out once a week, whereas in Masisi village this is not the case.
Wanzirah (2015) indicated that mosquitoes enter the house through the gap between the top of the wall and the roof, so closing the open eaves reduces malaria infection.
Knowledge regarding malaria
The participants showed that malaria is caused by the bite of mosquitoes and they went so far as to identify that the female mosquito (Gambia) is the causative organism of malaria. Only a few participants indicated that malaria is caused by eating too much watermelon, which is a sign of illiteracy and lack of knowledge. Moreover, Singh et al., (2014) showed that most of the participants mentioned stagnant water as a mosquito breeding area.
In this study, participants did not mention mosquito bites at night, but indicated that windows and doors should be closed to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house. In Limpopo province, some participants indicated that they heard about malaria from representatives of the Ministry of Health during home visits. According to Soleimani-Ahmadi et al. 2014) in Iran, most participants identified community health workers as their main source of malaria information and media, such as television and radio.
Similar results were reported by Hanofi-bojd et al. 2011), who reported that health workers and nurses in Iran were the main source of malaria information. Suffering from malaria has made the participants more knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of malaria and the importance of taking medication as prescribed. Ondari (2012) indicated that participants in Kenya preferred to self-medicate before visiting the hospital.
Few people indicated that they know that malaria can be treated by traditional healers but do not know the name of the treatment used. However, parallel results were found in Zimbabwe, where the majority of participants indicated that they were familiar with traditional medicines used to treat malaria. Only a few participants indicated that they travel more than 5 km to reach the clinic.
The findings of this study are consistent with the study conducted by Musoke.et.al.,(2015) which indicated that the majority of the participants travel less than 5 km to reach the nearest health center and few had traveled more than 5 km.
Another similar study was conducted in Nigeria by Singh et al., (2014) who reported that the majority of the participants mentioned bed nets as the most commonly known protective method against malaria. Most participants had knowledge of (ITNs) and only few participants reported the use of mosquito coils. Most participants had knowledge about ways to prevent mosquito breeding, they mentioned cleaning the home environment and draining stagnant water.
However, in Botswana, Chirebvu (2013) found that only a few participants used indoor residual spraying and vegetation clearing as a preventive method. Ondari (2012) found that in Kenya most people prefer bush clearing and draining stagnant water to prevent malaria. Other participants mentioned using mosquito nets and repellents to prevent malaria, only few participants were found to use ITNs.
The study showed that the participants had knowledge about malaria and prevention practices that can be applied to reduce malaria. It is recommended to provide more information about malaria infection and prevention in schools and via television and radio. There is also a need for the government and companies to offer apprenticeships and internships to strengthen the community and create employment.
