Preventing malaria in the Peruvian Amazon: a qualitative study in Iquitos, Peru

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Entomology
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Peru, with a recent surge in incidence hindering regional elimination efforts.
• The Loreto region in the Peruvian Amazon is a focal point for intensified malaria control, yet past strategies have shown limited impact.
• Previous research has not adequately explored the underlying reasons for the limited success of vector control in Loreto.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively explore the social and cultural factors influencing the effectiveness of malaria vector control strategies in Loreto, Peru.
• To identify local knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to malaria prevention and vector control methods.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with adults at a primary care center in Iquitos, Peru.
• Performed 3 interviews with key informants, including healthcare professionals.
• Focused on how local knowledge and socio-cultural attitudes impact the use of vector control methods.

Main Results:

• Participants perceived malaria as culturally ingrained, leading to reduced preventive behaviors.
• A perceived shift in mosquito biting times to early evening potentially reduces the efficacy of nighttime bed net use.
• Misconceptions about malaria transmission, confusion regarding space-spraying, and a belief that prevention is solely the government's responsibility were prevalent.

Conclusions:

• Region-specific malaria elimination strategies must integrate local social and cultural contexts.
• Further research is needed on the biting behavior of Anopheles darlingi and its interaction with population behaviors.
• Addressing attitudes towards personal responsibility and correcting misconceptions about malaria causation and prevention are essential for effective control.