Survey of Knowledge, Attitude and Management of Malaria in Rural Communities in Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

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Malaria is still an important mosquito-borne disease and a critical public health concern in Nigeria. This study was carried out to survey the knowledge, attitude and management of malaria in some rural communities of Nyo-Khana District of Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State. A cross sectional survey was adopted for the study using self-designed questionnaires. Out of the 400 questionnaires distributed, only 316 were answered and returned. Despite some wrong perceptions, 241(76.3%) of respondents implicated mosquitoes bite as the major cause of malaria while 94.6% of the respondents agreed that mosquitoes is responsible for the transmission of malaria. Again, 93.0% and 77 .5% of the respondents agreed that mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and bite at night respectively. The major symptoms mentioned by respondents included fever (85.4%), headache (85.4%), body weakness (56.9%) and shivering (56.9%). Almost all the respondents (93.9%) agreed that malaria is preventable. chemoprophylaxis (97.8%) and use of chemoprophylaxis (97.8%) use of chemoprophylaxis (97.8%) were the major means of prevention mentioned by the respondents. The treatment-seeking behaviour of the respondents included use of herbs (57.3%) and use of modern drugs (35.1%). The study indicates that the malaria related knowledge in the area is high, hence government and stakeholders can adopt a community-base approach in the management of the disease.