KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PERCEPTIONS OF TRAVELLERS TOWARDS CROSS-BORDER MALARIA PREVENTION MEASURES IN KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

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Published Apr 28, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v13i4.6347

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Main Article Content

Ida Manyina Munsense
Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Joyce M Tsoka-Gwegweni
Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Office of the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of travellers could play a key role in preventing imported malaria in a country. It is believed that seeking pre-travel advice from health professionals could prevent diseases and improve travellers’ health. It is also reported that when travellers have sufficient knowledge of malaria, they will take the necessary precautions and adhere to preventive measures when traveling to endemic countries, and so are likely to minimize the chances of infections.


This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of travellers towards cross-border malaria prevention measures in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.


Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 396 participants was conducted in 2019. The participants included all adults en route to Mozambique, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe recruited from a major taxi rank in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. A structured questionnaire about knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards cross-border malaria prevention measures was administered. 


Results: More than 90.9% of participants demonstrated a high level of knowledge about malaria transmission and prevention in general. This knowledge was mainly acquired through healthcare facilities. However, only 13.6% of participants adhered to the required preventive measures. Similarly, 72.8 % of participants reported not being aware of any information about malaria preventive measures available at the borders.


Conclusion: The high level of knowledge about malaria transmission and prevention does not translate into positive attitudes and perceptions among cross-border travellers. Regular and active communication about the risk of malaria and the availability of cross-border malaria prevention measures is recommended. This approach will encourage travellers to use protection against malaria to prevent imported transmission.

Article Details

How to Cite
MUNSENSE, Ida Manyina; TSOKA-GWEGWENI, Joyce M. KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PERCEPTIONS OF TRAVELLERS TOWARDS CROSS-BORDER MALARIA PREVENTION MEASURES IN KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA. Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 13, n. 4, apr. 2025. ISSN 2375-1924. Available at: <https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/6347>. Date accessed: 15 may 2025. doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v13i4.6347.
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Issue
Vol 13 No 4 (2025): Vol.13, Issue 4, April 2025
Section
Research Articles

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