Malaria prevalence, knowledge, perception, preventive and treatment behavior among military in Champasak and Attapeu provinces, Lao PDR: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND

Malaria is a major health problem in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) with high transmission in remote and forest areas, particularly in the South. The military is at risk of malaria infection especially those deployed in forest areas. This study determined the prevalence of malaria infection and assessed knowledge, perception, and preventive and treatment behavior regarding malaria among military personnel in two southern provinces in Lao PDR.

METHODS

Quantitative and qualitative approaches were undertaken in Champasak and Attapeu provinces in 2017. From 313 military personnel, quantitative data were collected through questionnaire-based interviews and blood samples used for parasite detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Qualitative data were collected through 7 focus group discussions and 17 in-depth interviews among 49 military personnel. Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney

RESULTS

The prevalence of malaria infection was 11.2% (

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria was conspicuous among military in forest areas. Many participants believed that malaria is transmitted not only by mosquito bites but also from drinking stream water. Preventive equipment was often insufficient. Self-treatment was practiced before referring to healthcare facility. To further prevent military from contracting malaria, the National Malaria Control Program and military body should provide adequate and suitable health education, protective equipment, and on-site malaria case management.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Ethical clearance was obtained from the National Ethics Committee for Health Research, Lao PDR (No. 073/NECHR), and from the Ethics Review Committee for Epidemiology Study, University of the Ryukyus (No. 1172). The permission to conduct the study was given by the General Logistic Department, the Ministry of Defense (No. 358), Lao PDR, and also from the camp leaders. The interviewers and moderator explained the purpose of the study and procedures in Laotian. The participants were also informed that their participation was voluntary, and that the results of the blood analyses and interviews would be treated in confidence. Moreover, they were informed that they can withdraw from the interview and discussion anytime without consequences.Not applicable.The authors declare that they have no competing interests.Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.