Myths and facts on malaria: A pilot study of community oriented resource persons in rural communities in Anambra, South-east Nigeria

Abstract

Early access to diagnosis and effective treatment is one of the major strategies for reducing the burden of malaria. This is however negatively affected by myths and misconception about malaria. The present study aims at determining the prevailing myths and facts about malaria in a developing country. A cross sectional descriptive study was done in 2014 among 284 Community-Oriented Resource Persons in 3 rural communities in Anambra, southeast Nigeria using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires and FGD (Focus Group Discussion) Guide. Of 284 participants, 204 (71.8%) were females. Majority (38%) fell within the age range of 31 to 40 years and most respondents (83.1%) were married with Christians accounting for 94.4% while those who had secondary education were 58.5%. Trading was the predominant occupation (52.5%). Almost 60% knew the actual cause of malaria. On the other hand, 57 (20.1%) believed malaria was caused by consumption of oil while 9 (3.2%) respectively identified excessive heat and physical stress as causes of malaria. Most identified the symptoms and route of transmission of malaria. Almost 86% believed malaria could be treated by use of orthodox drugs while the use of local herbs such as dogonyaro (4.9%) and removal of pins before hospital treatment (7.4%) were identified as ways of treating malaria. Respondents with primary education were significantly more likely (P < 0.05) to believe the myths than facts of malaria. In conclusion, knowledge of the facts and myths of malaria were high. However, knowledge in facts was significantly higher than belief in myths (X² = 135.46; P value = < 0.01). Respondents with higher educational status had better knowledge of the facts than myths of malaria.

Keywords: Myths, facts, malaria, community resource persons, Nigeria.