A Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Survey and Entomological Situation Analysis in Malaria Endemic Tribal Villages of Surajpur District, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

Background and objective: Malaria continues to be a global health concern with 219 million cases in year 2017. Chhattisgarh is a malaria endemic State, which contributes to 13.5% of malaria cases and 18.43% of deaths reported in India. More than 30% of Chhattisgarh’s population is tribal. Tribal areas have high malaria prevalence due to prevailing congenial conditions for malaria transmission. This study was carried out with an objective to understand the entomological situation of malaria in the area. An attempt was also made to know the KAP of the population living in the area towards malaria and also towards utilizing the services provided by the government.

Methodology: This study was carried out at Odgi block, District Surajpur, where more than 60% of population is tribal. Entomological survey was carried out to find out the primary vector population present. KAP survey was carried out through of in-depth interviews.

Results: In our entomological survey, we found high MHD for Anopheles culicifacies, which was the primary vector in the area. We found that the people have very low knowledge about malaria and prefer to visit local traditional healers instead of using government facilities.

Conclusion: Our study concluded very low knowledge about malaria in the community. There was requirement of changing IRS or distributing more Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) with malaria awareness campaigns at regularly basis to effectively control malaria in the area.