Knowledge, attitude, and practices of household members towards the uptake of IRS as a malaria control intervention in Opwateta sub county, Kibale county, Pallisa district

Abstract

Introduction Malaria has remained a significant contributor to poverty and underdevelopment worldwide. WHO global malaria program recommends these three primary interventions; diagnosing malaria cases and treatment with effective medicines, distributing long-lasting insecticide nets to achieve full coverage of populations at risk of malaria, and indoor residual spraying as a major means of malaria vector control to reduce and eliminate malaria transmission. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of household members towards the uptake of indoor residual spraying as a malaria control intervention in Opwateta Sub County, Pallisa district. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was employed. Interviewer-administered questionnaires, in Kobo collect software were used to interview household members to collect quantitative data. Key informant interviews were used to collect qualitative data. Qualitative data were analysed thematically to create themes. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS software. Results The majority of the respondents 97.4% (374/384) were aware and knowledgeable about IRS as a malaria control strategy. The major source of information was VHTs. Slightly more than half of the respondents 60.7% (233/384) could recall the insecticides used during previous IRS. In addition, the attitude of household members of Opwateta sub-county towards the uptake of IRS was good as the majority; 90.6% (347/384) reported their houses being sprayed in the last round. The majority of the respondents 94.5% (363/384) reported being mobilized and were able to recall who or how they were mobilized as follows, local council one chairperson,88% (338/384); area councillor, 45.6% (175/384); church leader, 39.1% (150/384); radio, 25.3% (97/384); parish mobiliser, 15.4% (59/384) while 1.6% (6/384) reported not mobilized. Conclusion IRS communication in targeted communities should emphasize the importance of knowledge, attitudes and practices of household members towards uptake and sustainability of the program results. Additionally, clear communication and engagement with community leaders during mobilization may help reduce barriers to IRS uptake.