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Malaria Journal
Published in: Malaria Journal 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research

The influence of the Gilgel-Gibe hydroelectric dam in Ethiopia on caregivers' knowledge, perceptions and health-seeking behaviour towards childhood malaria

Authors: Delenasaw Yewhalaw, Wondwossen Kassahun, Kifle Woldemichael, Kora Tushune, Morankar Sudaker, Daniel Kaba, Luc Duchateau, Wim Van Bortel, Niko Speybroeck

Published in: Malaria Journal | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

Malaria remains the most important public health problem in tropical and subtropical areas. Mothers' or caregivers' ability to recognize childhood malaria-related morbidity is crucial as knowledge, attitudes and health seeking behavior of caregivers towards childhood malaria could influence response to signs of the disease.

Methods

A total of 1,003 caregivers in 'at-risk' villages in close proximity to the Gilgel-Gibe hydroelectric dam in south-western Ethiopia, and 953 caregivers in 'control' villages further away from the dam were surveyed using structured questionnaires to assess their knowledge, perceptions and health seeking behaviour about childhood malaria.

Results

Malaria (busa) was ranked as the most serious health problem. Caregivers perceived childhood malaria as a preventable ('at-risk' 96%, 'control' 86%) and treatable ('at-risk' 98% and 'control' 96%) disease. Most caregivers correctly associated the typical clinical manifestations with malaria attacks. The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) was mentioned as a personal protective measure, whereas the role of indoor residual spraying (IRS) in malaria prevention and control was under-recognized. Most of the caregivers would prefer to seek treatment in health-care services in the event of malaria and reported the use of recommended anti-malarials.

Conclusion

Health education to improve knowledge, perceptions and health-seeking behaviour related to malaria is equally important for caregivers in 'at risk' villages and caregivers in 'control' villages as minimal differences seen between both groups. Concluding, there may be a need of more than one generation after the introduction of the dam before differences can be noticed. Secondly, differences in prevalence between 'control' and 'at-risk' villages may not be sufficient to influence knowledge and behaviour.
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Metadata
Title
The influence of the Gilgel-Gibe hydroelectric dam in Ethiopia on caregivers' knowledge, perceptions and health-seeking behaviour towards childhood malaria
Authors
Delenasaw Yewhalaw
Wondwossen Kassahun
Kifle Woldemichael
Kora Tushune
Morankar Sudaker
Daniel Kaba
Luc Duchateau
Wim Van Bortel
Niko Speybroeck
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Malaria Journal / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1475-2875
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-9-47

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