Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards uncomplicated malaria management and LLIN use in Kumba and Muyuka,...

Uncomplicated malaria (UM) remains a major public health concern in Cameroon. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, prevention practices and care-seeking behaviours related to UM in Kumba and Muyuka, Southwest Region.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and June 2025 among adults (≥18 years), residing in the area for at least 3 months. Multistage sampling yielded 638 valid responses in Kumba and 606 in Muyuka. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation (r), Pearson χ² tests, analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) pathway and identify predictors of good and appropriate preventive and care-seeking practices.

Comprehensive knowledge was poor: only 13.0% in Kumba and 14.9% in Muyuka demonstrated good knowledge although fever was widely recognised (86.1%). Long-lasting insecticidal net ownership was significantly higher in Kumba (81.7%) than in Muyuka (57.1%). Correlation analysis revealed that while knowledge and attitudes were independently associated with practices, knowledge did not significantly correlate with attitudes (r=0.045, p=0.114). In multivariate analysis, younger age, male gender, good knowledge, positive attitudes and good access to malaria information emerged as significant independent predictors of good preventive practices, with specific drivers varying between municipalities.

Despite high recognition of fever as a symptom, comprehensive malaria knowledge remains low. The weak association between knowledge and attitudes suggests that information alone does not drive behaviour change. Malaria control requires integrated, culturally sensitive strategies that address sociodemographic variations and contextual barriers rather than relying solely on information campaigns.

Not applicable.