Data for: A Qualitative Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Perceptions towards Malaria Prevention among People Living in Rural Upper River Valleys of Nepal

Résumé 0

Project Summary: Nepal has made significant progress in decreasing the number of malaria cases over the last two decades. Prevention and timely management of malaria are critical for the National Malaria Program in its quest for elimination. The study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards malaria prevention and treatment among people living in rural villages of Khatyad Rural Municipality in Nepal. Methods: This qualitative study collected information through virtual in-depth interviews (N=25) with female and male participants aged between 15 and 72 years. Results: More than half of the participants knew about the causes of malaria, were aware of the complications of untreated malaria and knew that anti-malarial medicines were provided for free at the public health facilities. Participants indicated that their first choice of health care was public health facilities, however limited supply of medications and diagnostics deviated patients to the private sector. While tertiary care costs were not financially viable, participants opted against traditional care for malaria. Factors such as cost of treatment, distance to the health facility and the decision-making authority in households influenced health-related decisions in the family. Although long-lasting insecticidal nets were distributed and indoor residual spraying was done periodically, several barriers were identified. Data Overview: The data were collected virtually and individual consent was taken to audio record the interview. The participants were purposefully selected and a local research assistant supported the logistics and arranged the interviews. A semi-structured interview guide was developed based on similar research and the researchers’ experience exploring the topic of malaria. In-depth interviews are used in public health research to explore the perspectives, experiences and thought processes of individuals and to understand how these influence behavioural choices. The original interview recordings and the transcripts have been stored in Curtin repository as required by the Human Research Ethics Committee. Data Collection Overview: Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the interviews were conducted virtually using video conferencing. Participants provided consent, both oral and written, before participating in the study, including for audio-recording. All interviews were conducted in Nepali. Interviews were between 25 and 35 minutes in length. Confidentiality was ensured by using pseudonyms and removing direct identifiers, including names. Raw data were stored securely. Study Participants: This qualitative study collected information through virtual in-depth interviews (N=25) with female and male participants aged between 15 and 72 years. As the interviews were all conducted in the local Nepalese language, we have uploaded the translated transcripts so that it is reader friendly. Study Sites: The data were collected from respondents who resided in Khaytad Rural Municipality of Mugu District which is situated in the remote Western parts of Nepal. Data Processing: Audio recordings of the interviews were first transcribed verbatim in Nepali and later translated into English. The files shared here are translated and de-identified transcripts.