Cent Afr J Med. 2000 Oct; 46(10): 268-70.

Utilisation of malarial drugs at a household level: results from a KAP study in Choma, southern province and Mporokoso, northern province of Zambia.

Kaona F, Siajunza MT, Manyando C, Khondowe S, Ngoma GK.

Department of Public Health, Tropical Diseases Research Centre, P O Box 71769, Ndola, Zambia.

OBJECTIVES: To describe and document knowledge and use of anti-malarial drugs at household level in rural Zambia. DESIGN: Cross sectional study. SETTING: Community based. SUBJECTS: Data was collected from 392 male and 415 female respondents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of respondents knowing the cause of malaria and using modern health facilities. RESULTS: The median age of respondents in Choma was 37(Q1 = 27, Q3 = 52) while that for Mporokoso respondents was 34(Q1 = 26, Q3 = 47), (p < 0.001). There was no association between educational level and knowledge of causes of malaria (p = 0.674). Fever was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with malaria (20.4% in Choma, 80.6% in Mporokoso). However, only 1% in both areas mentioned the mosquito as a vector for malaria. The majority of residents (59.5%) went to the hospital when they suffered from malaria. Only 7% mentioned the use of traditional medicine. There was an association between the level of education and taking preventive measures against malaria in all the communities (p < 0.001). Respondents did not mention the use of treated mosquito nets. CONCLUSION: Residents in both Choma and Mporokoso did not know the cause of malaria. The use of treated mosquito nets is rare. Production of information, education, communication (IEC) health materials and recruitment of a village health educator is recommended.