Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of People towards Malaria in Squatters Colony, Malvani, Malad, Mumbai

Dr. Ambadas S Adhav; Dr. Suhas Kadam; Prof. Prabha Desai; Mr.Devidas G Deogune

Volume : IV, Issue : V, May - 2015

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of People towards Malaria in Squatters Colony, Malvani, Malad, Mumbai

Dr. Ambadas S Adhav, Dr. Suhas Kadam, Prof. Prabha Desai, Mr. Devidas G Deogune

Abstract :

Background: Malaria continues to be one of the final frontiers in public health problems that face the country. To reduce malarial morbidity and mortality, it is imperative to have active community participation which depends on people�s knowledge, attitude and practices towards the disease. Objectives:The objective of the study is to assess the levels of knowledge regarding malaria in the squatter�s colony of Malvani Slum and to identify attitudes and practices in the prevention of malaria and mosquito bites.Methodology: A cross sectional community based KAP sample survey was carried out. Data Collection: Data was collected by face to face interview by using structured questionnaire. Results: The results show, 39.7% have a low knowledge level and 53.7% obtained an average level and very few have high level of knowledge. With regard to attitude levels, very few respondents have a low and high level, with a large proportion of the respondents, 71.8%, have the average level score for attitude. In the practices category, 83.1% of people have an average level, while 2.2% found a low level score and 14.7% found high level score.Conclusion:Health education program with direct interaction to community should be emphasized in order to improve the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding malaria and its prevention.