Household knowledge, perceptions and practices of mosquito larval source management for malaria prevention and control in Mwanza district, Malawi: a cross‐sectional study

Abstract Background Mosquito larval source management (LSM) is a key outdoor malaria vector control strategy in rural communities sub-Saharan Africa. Knowledge of this important for optimal design and implementation effective interventions region. This study assessed household knowledge, perceptions practices mosquito LSM methods (draining stagnant water, larviciding, clearing grass/bushes clean environment). Methods A cross-sectional was used whereby 479 households were selected using two-stage sampling Mwanza district, Malawi. questionnaire administered to an adult member the house. Respondents asked questions on methods. Multivariable logistic regression model identify factors associated with high-level knowledge Results Majority respondents (64.5%) had Specifically, 63.7% (200/314) positive about draining whereas 95.3% (223/234) practiced environment 5.2% larviciding. Compared primary education, those secondary education more likely, without less have (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI 1.45–8.63 AOR 0.38, 0.23–0.64, respectively). engaged crop farming, mixed farming (including pastoralists) self-employed business persons) likely 6.95, 3.39–14.23 3.61, 1.47–8.86, living mud-walled high-knowledge than brick-walled 0.50, 0.30–0.86). Conclusions established. However, when designing implementing strategy, specific attention should be paid uneducated, farmers poor households.