ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES TOWARDS MALARIA PREVENTION AMONGST UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN
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Abstract
Background: Malaria Prevention refers to all the measures and Strategies aimed at reducing or stopping the transmission of malaria- a life threatening disease caused by plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria prevention is typically low and challenging to implement when the danger is deemed low, despite the fact that it is
better and less expensive to prevent than to treat. Additionally, people’s educational background and religious preferences are linked to malaria prevention. Objectives General: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to malaria prevention among students of the University of Benin and to identify the factors influencing their adoption of effective preventive measures. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was completed by 330 Students (100% response rate). Data were coded and analysed in SPSS v21 using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests; significance set at p < 0.05. Results: 330 respondents participated. Most respondents (56.1%) were between 21–25 years, indicating that the study population was dominated by young adults typical of university students. Respondents demonstrated good knowledge overall, with mean scores ranging from 2.00–2.37 (on a 5-point scale). Most students agreed that using ITNs is effective (G; mean = 1.98) and that malaria prevention is important for health. The respondents’ attitudes towards malaria prevention
were found to be moderately positive. Environmental control measures such as clearing bushes or eliminating stagnant water were practiced by some respondents, but again, only a minority engaged in these practices consistently. The ANOVA results revealed statistically significant differences between faculties with regard to knowledge, perception, and attitude. This suggests
that academic discipline influences students’ understanding and mindset towards malaria prevention. For example, pharmacy students—due to their scientific background—may have
exhibited higher levels of knowledge and more positive attitudes.
better and less expensive to prevent than to treat. Additionally, people’s educational background and religious preferences are linked to malaria prevention. Objectives General: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to malaria prevention among students of the University of Benin and to identify the factors influencing their adoption of effective preventive measures. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was completed by 330 Students (100% response rate). Data were coded and analysed in SPSS v21 using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests; significance set at p < 0.05. Results: 330 respondents participated. Most respondents (56.1%) were between 21–25 years, indicating that the study population was dominated by young adults typical of university students. Respondents demonstrated good knowledge overall, with mean scores ranging from 2.00–2.37 (on a 5-point scale). Most students agreed that using ITNs is effective (G; mean = 1.98) and that malaria prevention is important for health. The respondents’ attitudes towards malaria prevention
were found to be moderately positive. Environmental control measures such as clearing bushes or eliminating stagnant water were practiced by some respondents, but again, only a minority engaged in these practices consistently. The ANOVA results revealed statistically significant differences between faculties with regard to knowledge, perception, and attitude. This suggests
that academic discipline influences students’ understanding and mindset towards malaria prevention. For example, pharmacy students—due to their scientific background—may have
exhibited higher levels of knowledge and more positive attitudes.
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