Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding the Prevention and Control of Malaria in KhyberPakhtunkhwa: An Observational Study

Zabih Ullah; Syeda Anmol Saba Shah; Syeda Zil-e-Haram Saba Shah; Syeda Farishta Saba Shah; Fayaz Shah; Farhana Jabeen Shah

doi:10.70384/jlmdc.v1i02.50

Authors

Zabih Ullah Health Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Syeda Anmol Saba Shah Department of Medicine, Northwest General Hospital and Research Center
Syeda Zil-e-Haram Saba Shah Department of Pharmacology, Peshawar Dental College
Syeda Farishta Saba Shah Department of Microbiology, Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University
Fayaz Shah MBBS Student, Gandhara University
Farhana Jabeen Shah Department of Community Medicine, Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70384/jlmdc.v1i02.50

Keywords:

Malaria, Knowledge, Attitude, Prevention, Education

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: This Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) study aims to assess local awareness and
preventive behaviors concerning malaria in high-risk areas like Karak District. By evaluating understanding
transmission, symptom recognition, and treatment-seeking behaviors, the study seeks to inform and enhance
malaria control strategies as malaria is one of the most serious global public health challenges, contributing
significantly to illness and mortality. The insights gained will aid in developing targeted interventions and
improving the effectiveness of malaria control programs.

Objective. To assess knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the prevention and control of malaria in
local population of District Karak.

Methods:This cross-sectionalstudywas conductedinTehsilTakht-e-Nasrati,Karakdistrict,KhyberPakhtunkhwa
(KPK), using convenience sampling to survey 372 household heads. Data was collected through structured
interviews, and only respondents who understood Urdu or Pashto were included. Descriptive statistics and
Fisher's exact tests were used for analysis, with a significance level of p ≤0.05. SPSS version 19 was utilized
for analysis.

Results: The study found that individuals aged 26-35 years were most affected by malaria. Additionally,
72.31% of participants were employed and awareness and preventive practicesshowed that 56.45% of participants
deemed avoiding outdoor sleeping important, 43.28% advocated for insecticide use and mosquito control,
and 42.20% used protective measures, with 42.47% employing bed nets or indoor spraying.

Conclusions. The study reveals a solid understanding of malaria prevention among the population yet
emphasizes the need for improved implementation of protective measures and targeted government actions
to enhance malaria control.