Determination of knowledge, attitude, and practice of Chinese and local people toward malaria prevention in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

To date, malaria is still a major public health issue in the world. Africa remains the most affected continent with the highest number of malaria cases and deaths. Since more than one thousand Chinese citizens are living in Nigeria, an examination of their knowledge, attitude, and practice compared with those of the local people may be essential for malaria prevention. This study adopted cross-sectional research. A total of 137 Chinese people and 299 local people residing in Kano State, Nigeria constituted the study subjects. A questionnaire was used for the collection of data on socio-demography and predictors of attitudes. The Cronbach alpha statistic was used to analyze these data. Insecticide spraying, mosquito repellents, and wearing protective clothing at night are the malaria preventive measures by both the local and Chinese people living in Kano state, Nigeria. However, there is a significant difference (P<0.05) between the two groups, with the duration of stay in Nigeria, the use of mosquitoes, attitude, and practices playing impactful roles among the Chinese people. Hence, Chinese people demonstrated better knowledge and control of malaria transmission and prevention than the local people living in Kano State. In conclusion, attitudes and practices toward malaria diseases are the major causes of the high rate of malaria in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State.