Socio-economic and environmental factors in malaria control and prevention in Kapsabet division, Nandi North District, Kenya

Abstract

Malaria continues to be a serious health threat in many parts of tropical Africa where illness rates and epidemic outbreaks are on the increase. The situation in Kenya is no exception, and in the case of Kapsabet division, the problem has become acute and recurrent. Eradication campaigns have been carried out and several tools and strategies have been put in place, but these have been met with limited success. This study aimed at exploring the complexity of factors that influence malaria incidence in Kapsabet division, Nandi North District in Kenya. Specific objectives included: Identifying socia-economic and environmental factors that influence malaria incidence, finding out various malaria control tools and strategies in place, and to suggest and recommend workable remedial measures for controlling malaria in the study' area. Data was collected using survey, focus group discussion, key informants, observation, and informal interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences while qualitative data was sort out, organized, described and interpreted based on the objectives in order to complement the statistical information. The results revealed that a myriad of factors influence the recurrent malaria outbreaks. These include: poor construction of house, household crowding, lack of information on appropriate use of tools and strategies, negative attitudes of the communities towards the adoption of some tools and strategies, lack of personal protection, misconceptions on the cause of malaria, deteriorating sanitation, adoption of short-lived strategies, uncontrolled development activities, and delayed treatment of cases. Fifty nine percent (59%) of the respondents sought treatment only in the event of severe disease whereas 70% considered malaria treatment to be expensive. The study also found that the communities are not yet willing to take the front line in the fight against malaria and concludes that tools and strategies on the ground are highly under utilized. The study recommends more community health education on malaria, its treatment, proper adoption of tools and environmental sanitation. There is need to regulate development activities in order to avoid creation of more breeding sites. A strong political backing, through prompt resource allocation, is required in the strengthening of timely grassroots' activities. The people of Kapsabet should be encouraged to realize that they could help by getting actively involved in malaria control activities as part of everyone's daily activities and that collaboration with partners is a boost towards success.