Predictors of knowledge about malaria in India

Reduction of malarial morbidity and mortality is important to meet the overall objectives of reducing poverty and has been included in the Millennium Development Goals. To achieve these targets it is imperative to have active community participation to control malaria. Community participation in turn depends on people's knowledge and attitude towards the disease. This study was conducted to examine the factors that predict the knowledge of Indian population regarding malaria. A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was conducted for data collection.

Data were collected from 15,750 adult respondents using a pre-tested questionnaire representing urban, rural, tribal and slum population from 21 states. Knowledge about various aspects of malaria was tested using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine predictors of knowledge about etiology, clinical features, mode of transmission, prevention and control.

Common predictors of correct knowledge about etiology and clinical features of malaria were male sex and college education. Female sex, illiteracy and tribal population were more likely to have been associated with wrong beliefs about fatality of malaria. Being tribal respondent was the single most important predictor of inadequate knowledge. Similarly, use of smoke for killing of adult mosquito was predicted by rural or slum residence and illiteracy. All findings were based on logistic regression analysis. Geographical variations also influenced knowledge about malaria. It may be inferred that improvement in knowledge, attitude and practices related to malaria may be attained only after looking at its predictors at micro level. However, a strategic framework at national level is certainly needed to provide directions at local level.