Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards Malaria Prevention in the Nyimba Urban Clinic Catchment Area, Zambia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Zambia. Knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices influence the uptake and sustainability of malaria control interventions. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malaria prevention in the Nyimba Urban Clinic catchment area of Nyimba District, Zambia.

Methods: A quantitative, descriptive cross- sectional study was conducted among adult household heads or delegated household heads in the Nyimba Urban Clinic catchment area. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and malaria prevention measures. Associations between demographic characteristics and attitudes were assessed using the chi-square test. Ethical approval was obtained from the Lusaka Apex Medical University Biomedical Research Ethics Committee.

Results: Of 384 targeted participants, 350 participated, giving a response rate of 91.1%. Most participants were aware of malaria, and 53.0% had good knowledge of malaria prevention. Positive attitudes towards malaria prevention were reported by 89.0% of participants. Good malaria prevention practices were reported by 97.4% of participants. Sleeping under insecticide-treated nets was the most commonly practised prevention method. Level of education was significantly associated with attitude towards malaria prevention (p = 0.035).

Conclusion: The community in the Nyimba Urban Clinic catchment area had generally good knowledge, positive attitudes and good practices towards malaria prevention. However, context- specific strategies are still needed to strengthen prevention uptake and address the persistent malaria burden.