Knowledge, attitude and practice towards malaria among people attending in Mekaneeyesus primary hospital, South Gondar, Northwestern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract Background : Malaria is worldwide health problem causing high mortality and morbidity, not only a major cause of suffering and death, but also the cause of socioeconomic problems, especially in developing country like Ethiopia. Methods: This study is aimed to investigate knowledge, attitude and practice towards malaria and its preventive and control methods among people attending in Mekaneeyesus primary hospital, South Gondar, Northwestern Ethiopia. Cross sectional study was employed by using random sampling technique was carried out to select representative individuals. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and KAP. The data quality control was tested by using pretest and study protocol of the research was approved by the Ethical Review Committee. Results: The overall prevalence rate of malaria was 8.5%. Individuals having poor knowledge and poor practice toward malaria were 26.93 (CI = 3.67-197.47, p=0.001) and 13.09 (CI=0.93-183.47, p=0.036) times higher respectively as compared to individuals who are knowledgeable and had good practice toward malaria. Level of education was significant predictor of practice level which, education status of being uneducated and attaining grades 1-8. Respondent’s less than 500 family economic statuses were also significantly associated with practice level (P < 0.05) among study participants. The overall knowledge, attitude and practice level was relatively good, but its practice towards ITN utilization was poor. Poor knowledge and practice were significantly increase malaria risk. Conclusion: Malaria is still causes a serious health burden so special attention should be taken to malaria prevention and control by giving awareness and using different intervention method.