| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: Malaria remains the most common disease and the leading cause of admission at 56% and death (24%) in the refugee camps. Uganda currently hosts over 1.4 million refugees and Kiryandongo refugee camp is one of their largest settlements. The presence of a substantial refugee population places additional strains on healthcare resources and infrastructure, making the provision of healthcare services, including malaria prevention and control, more challenging. In this context, children under 5 years remain highly susceptible to malaria and largely depend on their caretaker’s knowledge and practices on malaria prevention and control. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge and practices of care takers of children under five years on malaria prevention and control in Kiryandongo refugee settlement camp in Uganda. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge, and practices of randomly sampled 447 caretakers of children under 5 years regarding malaria prevention and control. Knowledge was measured through 19 questions, and practice was evaluated using 17 questions on a 3-point Likert scale. Knowledge was categorized as poor if scores were below 80% and knowledgeable if at or above 80%, while practices were labeled Poor if total scores were under 80% and Good for scores at or above 80%. Qualitative data were gathered through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and In-depth interviews (IDIs). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with practices of malaria prevention and control, and thematic analysis using deductive coding for qualitative data. Results: Of the 447 caretakers interviewed, the majority 330 (73.8%) had knowledge of malaria prevention and control. Many, 238 (53.2%) of the caretakers had poor malaria prevention and control practices. Good malaria prevention and control practices were positively associated with higher education level [AOR: 2.2 (95% CI:1.07-4.75)], Anglicans 2.2, (AOR 2.2, (95% CI: 1.29-3.77), High income status [AOR:2.6, 95%CI:1.26-5.66)] as well as being knowledgeable about malaria prevention [AOR:0.4, 95% CI:0.27-0.85]. Qualitative findings revealed gaps in knowledge about malaria prevention and control. Shortages of malaria prevention resources like drug stock outs at facilities were identified as key barriers. Misconceptions related to malaria transmission affected control practices. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of not only increasing knowledge but also addressing practical barriers and improving good practices towards malaria prevention. Community education and targeted interventions are essential to bridge the gap between knowledge and effective practices. Key words: Malaria, Refugee, Children under 5, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice. | en_US |
