Fighting Malaria: A Community-Based Needs Assessment in Ghana

Malaria is a serious infectious disease that primarily impacts poor sub-tropical and tropical regions of the world. Socioeconomic consequences include absence from school, work, and financial expenditures for delivery and receipt of treatment. In 2010, there were an estimated 219 million worldwide cases, with approximately 660,000 deaths.  Africa accounts for 91% of these deaths, indicating that implementing effective malaria interventions is challenging.

The goal was to assess the attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and perceived barriers related to malaria prevention. Data was collected from a convenience sample in the Kong community of Ghana. The community of 1532 was 52% female, 49% under age 18, and 96% Muslim. Mixed methods approach included surveys, key informant interviews, and photovoice stories. Ghanaian university students pilot tested and approved research tools prior to data collection, and served as interpreters during data collection.

Thirty-nine adult and 23 child surveys were completed. Most adults did not sleep under bed nets (n=20), but most children did (n=15). Fifteen of the 20 adults cited either lack of finances or access as reason for non-usage. Four photovoice participants highlighted behavioral and environmental elements such as shea nut storage and stagnant water as barriers to sustainable prevention, while eight key informants recognized malaria’s hindrance on community development. Collaboration with the chief was a key factor in gaining community trust and cooperation.

Community input yielded insight for several intervention strategies utilizing the chief’s authority. Community organizations can use this information and their relationships with the Kong community to influence effective malaria prevention strategies.