A kap study on malaria in Zanzibar: implications for prevention and controlA study conducted for unicef Sub-Office Zanzibar

• Published in: Evaluation and program planning Vol. 21; no. 4; pp. 409 - 413
• Main Authors: Eversole, Martin S.Alilio, Bammek, Jane
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.11.1998; Elsevier
• Series: Evaluation and Program Planning
• ISSN: 0149-7189
• DOI: 10.1016/S0149-7189(98)00030-5

This study was a collaborative undertaking between UNICEF Sub-Office Zanzibar and Zanzibar Ministries of Health and Education between December 1996 and February 1997. The overall objective of the KAP study was to obtain and interpret detailed grassroots information about Zanzibaris understanding of the causation and transmission of malaria so as to select priority interventions to improve home-based management and prevention of childhood malaria. This information now forms the basis for designing various interventions targeting care-takers risk behaviors, household ability to take informed decisions, and both private and public sector provision of adequate advice and support to households. The assumption underlying the study was that communities will welcome change if they see the need for it, and they will develop the determination and capacity to bring about change to the extent that it seems worthwhile. This KAP profile, then, was to be a key component in a programme to induce beneficial change through public, especially school childrens, participation. The key findings of the study were: (a) although public health messages about malaria were technically correct, they did not address the common cultural myths and perceptions about causation and transmission of malaria; (b) there was a clear distinction made by respondents in defining malaria, i.e., fever, and malarias severe complications, convulsions and fits; (c) decisions concerning treatment were usually taken, with inputs from the family (especially grandparents), by the husbands (where they existed); and (d) treatment involved traditional medicine more frequently than the use of a modern health facility and services.