Using Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Survey Results to Prevent Malaria in Thai border areas

KAP study was focused on Phuket Island on local Thai communities and Burmese migrants in construction sites, fishing villages and rubber tapper camps. Burmese and Mon speaking interviewers were used on the sample collected from all vulnerable professional groups and then weighted to achieve a representative sample of migrants based on industry and level of malaria transmission risk they face. Although half of Thais used window screens on all windows, the migrants had no screen protection against mosquitoes. KAP showed what means of communication are most trusted. KAP showed that migrants could not be reached effectively through mainstream media, but rather on the ground where they live and work. Alternative media like SMS messaging can build on this network and create a ‘viral campaign' through human interaction. Though a KAP study is expensive and the research takes time and careful preparation, it is provides a sound understanding of what people actually do, not just what they say they do.