Assessment of People's Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Malaria in Northern Liberia
1Mr Amadu S Jabateh, 2Dr Deepak Vishwakarma, 3Dr Kavya Rao Bagati*Context: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Northern Liberia, characterized by high infection rates and considerable morbidity. Despite ongoing efforts to combat the disease, public health knowledge and education gaps persist, contributing to inadequate malaria prevention and control practices. This region faces unique challenges, including limited healthcare services, insufficient malaria transmission and prevention awareness, and ineffective educational programs. Northern Liberia's diverse socio-economic landscape further complicates the situation. Many communities have limited access to reliable health information and resources, exacerbating the spread of malaria. Misconceptions and misinformation about malaria and its prevention methods are prevalent, which hinders the effectiveness of existing interventions and contributes to higher rates of transmission and adverse health outcomes. Settings and Design: The study was conducted in Lofa County, Northern Liberia, a region characterized by a high malaria prevalence and a diverse population comprising urban and rural communities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect quantitative data from residents of Lofa County. This design was chosen because it allows for assessing the prevalence of various factors related to malaria awareness and control at a single point, providing a snapshot of the current situation (Levin, 2006). Results: The results showed that 97.2% of respondents had contracted malaria, with 66% having received formal education on malaria prevention. However, 34% had not received any education. Local clinics primarily sought medical assistance (53.8%), significantly relying on home remedies (43%). Notably, only 24.5% of respondents had adequate access to anti-malarial medication. Additionally, there were considerable gaps in knowledge, with only 46.2% aware of different malaria parasites and 53% unaware of the long-term consequences of untreated malaria. Conclusions: The study highlights a pressing need for improved public health education and better access to malaria prevention and treatment resources in Northern Liberia. Community-based interventions, including targeted educational campaigns and more vital collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations, are essential to address these knowledge gaps and reduce malaria prevalence. Enhanced public health efforts are essential to mitigate the impact of malaria and improve health outcomes in this region.