The effects of social marketing on malaria knowledga among primary school children in Kilombero district

Abstract

This is a cross-sectional case control study design conducted to assess the effect of social marketing intervention aimed to improve malaria knowledge among primary schoolchildren in the Kilombero district. A multi stage sampling technique was used; and a total of 1698 schoolchildren from selected primary schools participated. Self- administered questionnaire with multiple choice options was used to collect data on malaria knowledge, sources of malaria IEC, communication channels and extracurricular activities. Data were entered and analyzed using ST AT A statistical package. Results showed that high proportion of schoolchildren in intervention schools were significantly knowledgeable compared to those of non-intervention (p<O.OOl). However, schoolchildren in both study groups had very low knowledge on malaria treatment. School-based malaria education and health facilities were the most important primary sources of malaria lEC by 76% and 80% in intervention and non-intervention schools respectively. Malaria booklets were significantly prevalent and preferred communication channels in the intervention schools by 92.7% (p<O.OOl). Public leaflets were prevalent channel by 69% in non-intervention schools. Malaria songs, Drama and Poems were mostly noticed extracurricular communication activities in intervention schools by 94%, 96% and 96% respectively. Low proportion of extracurricular activities being noticed in non intervention schools. Social marketing with selected communication channels and extracurricular activities could enrich school-based malaria education hence improve malaria knowledge among primary schoolchildren.