[Perceptions, practice and attitudes concerning malaria in the Colombian Amazon region]

Obtaining information about the perceptions, attitudes and practices which people living in the Colombian Amazon region hold about the aetiology of malaria, its diagnosis, prophylaxis, therapy, prevention and their perception concerning the risk of contracting malaria.

A qualitative study was carried out; focal groups were used as the research technique. A total of 23 were held, each one involving 6 to 10 people classified according to some inclusion variables which were pertinent for the study.

The study revealed that the people having the best knowledge of preventative and control measures were those having a high risk of acquiring malaria; however, they did not put them into practice. There are difficulties in gaining access to diagnosis and treatment of malaria and problems of self-medication in high risk populations.

The behavioural factors of those populations exposed to malaria could facilitate and/or hamper control interventions in Colombia's Amazonas Department.