KAP on malaria-a brief account of responses of newly joined medical undergraduates of SDMCMS & H, Dharwad, India

Abstract

Malaria is a major public health problem in India. A cross-sectional study has been conducted on newly joined medical undergraduates of SDMCMS&H using pre-tested, pre-designed questionnaire to assess Knowledge, Attitude, Practices (KAP) regarding malaria. Handouts were distributed followed by health education. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Out of 95 students, 89 (93.6%) reported malaria to be a serious disease if not treated in time and 93 (97.8%) knew that malaria transmission occurs by mosquito bite, Mosquito responsible is female anopheles (96.8%) and dirty stagnant water reported as breeding site by 90 (94.7%) students and Plasmodium as the malaria parasite was known to 71 (74.7%). Among the reported symptoms of malaria, fever was the most common answer. Investigation to diagnose malaria is blood test according to 78 (82.1%). Using coil or repellants in house protects from mosquito bite according to 65 (68.4%). Insecticide treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying were known to 19 (20%) and 32 (33.6%) students respectively.52 (54.7%) students were aware of Governmental measures. Knowledge regarding insecticide treated bed nets; Indoor residual spraying was comparatively less. Not many knew about rapid diagnostic test (RDT).