Household training vs. mass campaigns: a better method of health communication for preventing malaria

Malaria is endemic in several states of India with high tribal population. Effective use of long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets (LLITNs) can reduce the burden of malaria in these settings. This study assessed the knowledge and behaviour regarding malaria in a tribal population and compared two...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Tropical doctor 2014-10, Vol.44 (4), p.196-200
Main Authors: Chourasia, Mehul Kumar, Abraham, Vinod J, John, Jacob
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Child
Child, Preschool
Community Health Services
Family Characteristics
Female
Health Communication - methods
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
India
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Insecticide-Treated Bednets
Malaria - epidemiology
Malaria - prevention & control
Male
Population Groups
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:Malaria is endemic in several states of India with high tribal population. Effective use of long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets (LLITNs) can reduce the burden of malaria in these settings. This study assessed the knowledge and behaviour regarding malaria in a tribal population and compared two health education strategies for enhancing effective utilisation of bed nets. A community-based intervention study was carried out among 218 households in two villages. One community received household level training on effective utilisation of LLITNs while the others received training in a mass campaign and outcomes were measured after 2 months. The study showed that the proportion utilising LLITNs was significantly higher among those receiving household level training as compared to those who received the mass campaign. Household level training appears to be a more effective form of health education for improving knowledge and promoting use of LLITNs in these isolated community groups.
ISSN:0049-4755
1758-1133
DOI:10.1177/0049475514545201