Malaria prevention practices in Mopti region, Mali

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Malariology
• Health Communication

Background:

• Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Mali.
• The National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) implemented an ITN Education Programme in the Mopti region.
• Understanding ITN utilization and knowledge diffusion is crucial for effective malaria control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess insecticide-treated net (ITN) use and other malaria prevention measures.
• To evaluate knowledge of malaria transmission and prevention.
• To examine the diffusion of information about ITNs by the NMCP.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in four villages in Mopti, Mali.
• 339 households were randomly selected; mothers of children aged 1-9 were interviewed.
• Data collected on malaria knowledge, prevention practices, and ITN utilization.

Main Results:

• Overall ITN use was 11%, concentrated in two villages. Bednet use was high (98%).
• Predictors of ITN use included head of household literacy, family size, ethnicity, and information source (NMCP, health agents).
• Barriers to ITN use included lack of knowledge, cost, and unavailability of impregnation services. Knowledge levels varied significantly by village.

Conclusions:

• Five years post-program, ITN use was low and information diffusion was unequal across villages.
• Significant disparities in malaria knowledge and ITN utilization were observed.
• Future malaria control efforts require village-specific strategies addressing knowledge gaps and promoting ITN acceptability.