Knowledge, awareness and practices towards malaria in communities of rural, semi-rural and bordering areas of east Delhi (India).

Abstract

Malaria not only poses a high risk to health, but the repeated clinical consequences of infection in endemic areas during early life and adulthood and outbreaks in epidemic prone areas place a burden on households, on the health services and ultimately on the economic growth of communities and the nation. Socioeconomic conditions of the community have direct bearing on the problem of malaria. Ignorance and impoverished conditions of people contribute in creating source and spread of malaria and hinder disease control strategy 1–3. Prevention of the disease through better knowledge and awareness is the appropriate way to keep disease away and remain healthy as illness confusion and health-seeking behaviour may enhance or interfere with the effectiveness of control measures4. Studies pertaining to knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) showed that direct interaction with community plays an important role in circumventing malaria problem3,5.