Community knowledge and practice of malaria prevention in Ghindae, Eritrea, a Cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Little is known about community knowledge and practice towards malaria prevention in Ghindae, Eritrea. METHODOLOGY: A community based cross-sectional study design was employed among 380 households. Participants were selected systematically. RESULT: More than eight-tenth (86.5%) of the respondents had heard information about malaria preceding the survey; health facilities (54.1%), television (23.7%). Majority (94.2%) mentioned mosquito bite as the main mode of malaria transmission. Fever was the predominantly (89.2%) identified sign/symptoms of malaria. ITN (84.4%) and environmental sanitation (67.3%) were well recognized preventive measures for malaria. Though most households (91%) possess bed nets, but only 37% were ragged on observation. Overall, 64% of the respondents have satisfactory knowledge and 57.3% had adequate practice towards malaria prevention. Malaria knowledge was significantly associated with increased age (p=0.001) and district areas (p=0.022). Malaria prevention practice was significantly associated with Tigrigna and Saho ethnic group (p=0.013), and districts (p=0.02). Districts showed significant difference with an OR=4.56 (95%CI, 1.29-16.09) on knowledge for district 04 and OR=1.98(95%-CI, 1.21-3.26) on practice for district 03 compared to district 01. Knowledge was associated with prevention (OR=1.99, 95%CI, 1.28-3.09). CONCLUSION: Overall community knowledge and practice towards malaria prevention were satisfactory. Furthermore, comprehensive community interventions are paramount for effective sustainable control.