The Level Of Community Knowledge Of Malaria In South Rantau, Labuhan Batu Raya Regency

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The Level of Community Knowledge of Malaria in South Rantau, Labuhan Batu Raya Regency: Still Needs to be Improved

Introduction

Malaria, a disease transmitted through anopheles mosquito bites, is still a public health problem in Indonesia. The country's geographical conditions, with the presence of anopheles mosquito breeding places, make it vulnerable to the spread of this disease. In North Sumatra, each district/city is included in the malaria endemic area. This study aims to identify the level of community knowledge in South Rantau District, Labuhan Batu Raya Regency, regarding malaria.

Background of Malaria in Indonesia

Malaria is a significant public health problem in Indonesia, especially in eastern Indonesia, where the morbidity rate due to malaria is still quite high. Extraordinary events (KLB) of malaria also often occur, especially in areas that experience environmental changes and population movements. The presence of anopheles mosquito breeding places, such as the former quarry, coconut plantations, pepper gardens, shrubs, swamps, rock basins in the hilly areas, and stagnant water, makes this area vulnerable to the spread of this disease.

Methodology

This study was conducted by the *cross-sectional *study method, by taking samples in a *simple random sampling *from residents in Sigambal Village, Rantau Selatan District. Data were analyzed descriptively observational. The study aimed to identify the level of community knowledge in South Rantau District, Labuhan Batu Raya Regency, regarding malaria.

Results

The results showed that most residents in the Sigambal Kelurahan had a level of knowledge about malaria that **moderately (56.7%), with 34.6% had good knowledge, and 8.6% had less knowledge. Although most citizens have moderate knowledge, the number of knowledge that is less indicating the need for efforts to increase the knowledge and understanding of the community about malaria.

Discussion

Although most citizens have moderate knowledge, the number of knowledge that is less indicating the need for efforts to increase the knowledge and understanding of the community about malaria. Increasing public knowledge about malaria is an important step in efforts to control and prevent this disease. With adequate knowledge, the community can be more proactive in protecting themselves and families from the threat of malaria.

Efforts to Increase Public Knowledge

Here are some things that need to be considered in an effort to increase public knowledge:

Socialization and Education

Periodic socialization and education programs about malaria are very important. Socialization can be done through various media such as counseling, spread of leaflets, and the use of social media. This can help to increase the level of knowledge and understanding of the community about malaria.

The Importance of the Role of Cadres

Public Health Cadres can be the spearhead in conveying information and education about malaria to the community. Training and debriefing for cadres so that they are able to provide appropriate information and are easily understood by the public are very important. This can help to increase the effectiveness of malaria prevention campaigns.

Community Leaders' Involvement

Community leaders have a big influence on a community. Their involvement in malaria prevention campaigns can increase program effectiveness. Community leaders can play a crucial role in promoting malaria prevention and control activities in their communities.

Easy Access to Information

Community needs to be given easy access to information about malaria. Provision of information services that are easily accessible through websites, applications, or hotlines can help people get correct and accurate information. This can help to increase the level of knowledge and understanding of the community about malaria.

Conclusion

Increasing public knowledge about malaria is an important step in efforts to control and prevent this disease. With adequate knowledge, the community can be more proactive in protecting themselves and families from the threat of malaria. The results of this study indicate that there is still a need for efforts to increase the knowledge and understanding of the community about malaria. Therefore, it is essential to implement socialization and education programs, involve community leaders, and provide easy access to information about malaria.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Implement socialization and education programs about malaria in the community.
  • Involve community leaders in malaria prevention campaigns.
  • Provide easy access to information about malaria through various media.
  • Train and debrief Public Health Cadres to provide appropriate information and education about malaria.
  • Increase the level of knowledge and understanding of the community about malaria through various activities.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that the level of community knowledge about malaria in South Rantau District, Labuhan Batu Raya Regency, can be improved, and the spread of this disease can be controlled and prevented.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Malaria in South Rantau, Labuhan Batu Raya Regency

Q: What is malaria and how is it transmitted?

A: Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted through the bite of an infected anopheles mosquito. The parasite is injected into the bloodstream when the mosquito bites, and it can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.

Q: What are the symptoms of malaria?

A: The symptoms of malaria can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual's immune response. Common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Headache
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting

Q: How can I prevent malaria?

A: There are several ways to prevent malaria, including:

  • Using insecticide-treated bed nets
  • Wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellent when outdoors
  • Eliminating standing water around homes and communities to prevent mosquito breeding
  • Using air conditioning or screened windows and doors to prevent mosquito entry
  • Taking antimalarial medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider

Q: What is the current situation of malaria in South Rantau, Labuhan Batu Raya Regency?

A: According to the results of this study, the level of community knowledge about malaria in South Rantau District, Labuhan Batu Raya Regency, is still relatively low. While most residents have moderate knowledge about malaria, there is still a need for efforts to increase the knowledge and understanding of the community about malaria.

Q: What are the challenges in controlling and preventing malaria in South Rantau, Labuhan Batu Raya Regency?

A: Some of the challenges in controlling and preventing malaria in South Rantau, Labuhan Batu Raya Regency, include:

  • Limited access to healthcare services and antimalarial medication
  • Lack of awareness and knowledge about malaria among the community
  • Limited resources and infrastructure for malaria control and prevention
  • Environmental factors, such as standing water and mosquito breeding sites, that contribute to the spread of malaria

Q: What are the recommendations for improving the level of community knowledge about malaria in South Rantau, Labuhan Batu Raya Regency?

A: Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Implement socialization and education programs about malaria in the community
  • Involve community leaders in malaria prevention campaigns
  • Provide easy access to information about malaria through various media
  • Train and debrief Public Health Cadres to provide appropriate information and education about malaria
  • Increase the level of knowledge and understanding of the community about malaria through various activities

Q: What is the role of community leaders in malaria prevention and control?

A: Community leaders play a crucial role in promoting malaria prevention and control activities in their communities. They can help to increase awareness and knowledge about malaria, mobilize community resources and support, and advocate for malaria control and prevention efforts.

Q: How can individuals contribute to malaria control and prevention efforts?

A: Individuals can contribute to malaria control and prevention efforts by:

  • Using insecticide-treated bed nets and wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellent when outdoors
  • Eliminating standing water around homes and communities to prevent mosquito breeding
  • Supporting malaria control and prevention efforts through donations and volunteer work
  • Spreading awareness and knowledge about malaria through social media and other channels

By working together, we can improve the level of community knowledge about malaria in South Rantau, Labuhan Batu Raya Regency, and control and prevent the spread of this disease.