A Study Of Malaria On The Kano Plains, Kisumu District, Kenya: A Community Study Of Currrent Knowledge, Attitudes And Control Practises; Parasite And Spleen Rates; Mosquito Bionomics And The Feasability Of Vector-control At The Community Level

Abstract

A Study of Malaria on the Kano Plains, Kisumu District, Kenya was carried out between April and August, 1985. The study included the following:- 1. A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Survey was conducted, it covered 187 households, representing 20% of the total households in the study area. The responses were analysed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) system on the ICL 2950 computer. In general knowledge about malaria was found to be good, however knowledge about the life cycle and habits of the mosquito was found to be poor. Various plants with possible insecticidal and/or repellent action were mentioned and are discussed. 2. During a clinical and parasitological survey 1216 people of all ages were examined for malaria parasites and

414 children aged 2-9 years were examined for splenomegaly as well. Malaria was found to be highly endemic in the area with an 84.1% parasite rate in children aged 2-9 years ..The

spleen rate in the same age group was found to be 50.2%. The

results and further analysis are given and fully discussed. 3. The Entomological Survey was base¢ upon six selected

collection stations. A total of 599 adult mosquitoes and

424 mosquito larvae were collected. All the import ant local vectors of malaria were found in the area. In addition many nuisance mosquitoes and potential arbovirus vectors were found breeding. The species distribution is analysed and discussed.

4. The validity of clinicaldiagnosis in malaria was studied by comparing the clinical and blood film findings in 1216 subjects. 43 people were found with symptoms suggestive of clinical malaria. The practical usefulness of clinical diagnosis is discussed on the basis of these findings. 5. An Intervention Strategy is described based upon the survey findings. The feasibility of·vector control at community level is explored with emphasis on environmental measures and the use of local resources.