Knowledge of Malaria and Preventive Behaviour Amongst Allied Healthcare Workers at the Central African Republic

Urooj Alam; Novera Sohail Bajwa; Rehana Khadim; Anam Haider; Ali Ghawas; Anam Manzoor

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v73iSUPPL-1.9872

Authors

Urooj Alam GDMO, Combined Military Hospital/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Novera Sohail Bajwa Department of Pharmacology, Combined Military Hospital Kharian/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Rehana Khadim Managing Editor, Army Medical College/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Anam Haider Stratition, Army Medical College/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Ali Ghawas Department of Medicine, Combined Military Hospital Sakardu/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Anam Manzoor Department of Obs & Gynae, Combined Military Hospital Sakardu/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v73iSUPPL-1.9872

Keywords:

Central african republic, Endemic, Malaria, Preventive behaviour

Abstract

Objective: to determine the knowledge of malaria and preventive behaviour among Allied Healthcare Workers at the Central African Republic.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Central African Republic from Dec 2021 to May 2022.

Methodology: Allied Healthcare Workers deployed at the Central African Republic as part of the International Organization
for Peacekeeping were included in the study. A questionnaire was designed to determine the study participants’ knowledge
and preventive behaviour. Association was made between the previous history of malaria and preventive behaviour using the chi-square test.

Results: A total of two hundred and twenty-one (n=221) study participants were included in the study with a mean age of
35.73±4.89 years (Range: 22 to 47 years). 49(22.17%) Allied Healthcare Workers had a previous history of malaria. 212(95.9%) of the study participants had adequate knowledge about the mode of transmission and prevention practices. There was a significant association between the previous history of malaria and Allied Healthcare Workers’ preventive behaviour p<0.001).

Conclusion: Most study participants had an adequate understanding of malaria, and those with prior malaria exhibited better preventive behaviour. In malaria-stricken regions, it is essential to take preventative measures.