KNOWLEDGE LEVEL AND ATTITUDE OF ARTISANAL FISHERMEN TOWARDS MALARIA PREVENTION IN FISHING COMMUNITIES IN EKET AGRICULTURAL ZONE, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed artisanal fishermen’s knowledge level and attitude towards malaria prevention in the study area. The primary data used were derived from a structured questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling procedures were used to select 120 fishermen. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Results showed that artisanal fishing was dominated by men of active age, married and literate, with an average household of 5 persons and fishing experience of 13 years. They made an average monthly income of N38,000.00, but the majority had no access to credit. Their relevant treatment methods included consultation of trado-doctors, patent medicine dealers, and the use of herbs. Their attitudinal preventive measures included home treatment, vaccination, and protection of doors and windows with nets. The determinants of knowledge of prevention were membership of cooperative societies, level of education, fishing experience, household size, and income from fishing. However, determinants of attitudinal preventive measures were marital status, membership of cooperative societies, level of education, fishing experience, age of fishermen, household size, and income from fishing. The study recommended educational interventions and encouragement to belong to cooperative societies as requisites to increased knowledge level of fishermen on malaria prevention.

 Keywords: Knowledge level, Attitude, Artisanal fishermen, malaria, Fishing Communities.