Knowledge and Practices Regarding Malaria Control and its Treatment among Patients Visiting Outpatient Clinics of Civil Hospital Khairpur

Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices regarding malaria prevention and control among patients visiting tertiary care hospital of Khairpur. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted for the period of three months from October 2015 to January 2016. About 138 adult people who were advised Malarial Parasite test on the basis of clinical manifestations were included in the study by using consecutive sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire focused on knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Malaria control and its management. Data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 21. Frequencies and percentages were calculated. Scoring and grading for knowledge and practices was done. Results: Out of 138 participants 55.5% were males and majority were below 40 years of age. Overall 56% of the respondents had adequate knowledge regarding malaria but only 16% had good practices for malaria control and prevention. About 80% of the respondents knew that fever is the major symptom and malaria is transmitted through the mosquito bite, 47% study participants reported that health workers were the major source of information regarding malaria control and its treatment. About 82% of the respondents reported the use of self-medication. Nearly 50% of the study participants were not using any preventive measure for malaria control and prevention. Conclusion: People living in Khairpur and its peripheral areas had good knowledge regarding malaria symptoms and signs and its mode of transmission but knowledge regarding its control and treatment was inadequate. Hence, adequate knowledge and appropriate practices are necessary to strengthen the Malaria Control Program in interior of Sindh. There is urgent need to develop personal skills and community active participation in reducing the burden of malaria.