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Knowledge & Behaviour

Malaria awareness, prevention knowledge & health-seeking behaviour

Know malaria cause

78.4%

Correctly identified mosquito

Know ITN prevents malaria

85.2%

Named net as prevention

Sought facility care

61.4%

For last fever episode

Knowledge–behaviour gap

23.8pp

Know ITN but don't use it

Knowledge of malaria transmission

% pupils giving each response

Key finding

78.4% correctly identify mosquito bites as the cause. However, 21.6% still hold misconceptions — highest in Lake and Western zones where burden is also greatest.

Knowledge of malaria prevention methods

% of pupils naming each method (multiple responses)

Programme implication

ITN knowledge is high (85.2%) but actual use was 83.7% — a small but actionable gap. Environmental methods (stagnant water) are under-recognised at 38.9%.

Health-seeking behaviour during fever

Action taken for last fever episode

Went to health facility61.4%

Bought medicine from pharmacy21.8%

Used home remedies10.3%

Did nothing / waited6.5%

Action needed

38.6% of children with fever did not reach a health facility. Pharmacy self-treatment (21.8%) risks under-dosing and resistance. Community case management should be strengthened.

Primary source of malaria information

% of pupils naming each source

Communication strategy implication

Health workers remain the most trusted source (44.2%). School teachers at 15.3% are an underutilised channel — school-based IEC programmes could significantly close the knowledge gap.

Composite malaria knowledge score by zone

Higher score = better knowledge of transmission, prevention & treatment-seeking

Southern Highlands

82%

Eastern

74%

Central

71%

Northern

68%

Lake

54%

Western

49%

Critical gap

Lake and Western zones score lowest on knowledge (54% and 49%) yet carry the highest malaria burden. Targeted BCC campaigns in these zones are a priority action for NMCP.