Malaria Household Knowledge and Behavior in Equatorial Guinea: Lessons to Be Learned

Background: Malaria continues to be a major public health problem in Equatorial Guinea, despite the control efforts made since 1990s. Upcoming control interventions should incorporate the behavioral and social aspects of malaria, for which is essential to have base-line and context-specific information. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out to analyze the major outcomes of three cross-sectional surveys on malaria-related knowledge and behavior, conducted in Equatorial Guinea in 1996, 2001 and 2007. Results were described using frequencies, and major outcomes were compared between regions through logistic regression analysis adjusting by socio-economic and individual-related factors. Results: The knowledge towards malaria was overall better in 2001 than in 1996 in rural Bioko, and the attitudes and practices concerning malaria treatment and prevention were more correct in Bioko Island than in mainland Equatorial Guinea in 2001. Results in the 2007 survey, showed limited knowledge but appropriate practices related to the management of children with clinical malaria in Bata. Conclusion: Equatorial Guinea is a small but heterogenic country, with population showing distinct perception of malaria and its public health impact across regions. National malaria control strategies should have this diversity into account and sensitization campaigns should be tailored to context-specific misconceptions and different epidemiological patterns identified.