| dc.description.abstract | Malaria prevalence, vector species composition and assessment of knowledge, attitude, perception and skills were determined in Bwembe village, Malongo subcounty, Mayuge district. A cross sectional and descriptive study design was used. A sample size of 170 people and 30 homes were sampled using purposive, simple random sampling techniques and questionnaire tool. Malaria prevalence was determined by examination of blood by use of RDTs and blood smear examination for parasite presence, quantification and species identification. The materials used were Glass slides, Binocular microscope, RDT, Lancets, Gloves, Alicohal and Gemsa stain. Adult mosquito species composition was established by morphological identification of the Anopheles mosquitoes collected with the help of CDC Light trap, Exit trap, Pyrethrum spray catch (PSC), and Human landing collection ( HLC ). Knowledge, attitude, perception and skills of community towards malaria control measures was determined by a Questionaire tool used to collect information from participants. Malaria prevalence was found to be 33.5% (57⁄170). Most affected age groups were 6 – 10 years (12.9%), 0 -5 years (7.6%) and 11 – 15 years (5. 9%). Prevalence of malaria in pregnant mothers was 10% (1⁄10). Females 32 (18.8%) were much affected than males 25 (14.7%). Plasmodium falciparum 57 (33.5%) was the only found species dominantly causing malaria. Female Anopheles gambiae s.l 136 (11.5%), female Anopheles funestus 07 (0.6%) and female Anopheles christyi 08 (0.7%) were the only major malaria vectors in November, 2021 in Bwembe village, Malongo sub county Mayuge district. An.gambiae s.l was found to be the dominant potential transmitting malaria vector species. Other mosquito species collected were female Culex 175 (14.7%), female Mansonia 83 (70.0%). On assessing community awareness about malaria and its prevention and control, 30.6% said sleep under mosquito nets, 6.5% close doors and windows early evening, 5.3% pour oil on stagnant water,3.5% slash bushes near homes, 2.4% destroy unused containers, 2.9% indoor residual spraying (IRS), 1.8% drain stagnant water and 1.2% take anti malaria medicine were among the main responses. Surprisingly, 4.1% and 2.9% of participants did not know what transmits and causes malaria. Continuous effective health education about malaria and mosquito biology and its control measures, effective diagnosis and testing, treatment and tracking of patients, proper usage of mosquito nets, IRS, larviciding where money is available, regular community malaria outreaches, continued entomological and malaria surveillance by V.C.O in the district would strengthen awareness and reduce prevalence of malaria in the district. | en_US |
