Attitudes and local beliefs towards mosquito insurgence in Imo State, Nigeria

Date

2010

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

U. P.

Abstract

Different attitudes and beliefs towards the presence of mosquitoes in the environment in the three urban centers of Imo State were investigated. Structured questionnaire were randomly distributed and the responses recorded accordingly, among the 461 respondents that participated in the study. The attitudes of killing it / controlling it topped the lists of the responses. Other attitudes are irritating, bad/ very bitter, negative/ concern, hatred / inimical and sleeplessness/ restlessness which could reflect strong attitudes that can induce change in behavior. The various attitudes towards disease treatment rated as very effective (VE), fairly effective (FE), not effective (NE) and aggravate the sickness (AS) may reflect their perception of the seriousness of mosquito – borne diseases. The number that felt that mosquito – borne diseases was mild and not serious will definitely display attitudinal responses saddled with levity particularly towards treatment. Possibly they may not feel inclined to carefully adhere to drug dosage prescription. Differential misconceptions of mosquito and associated diseases reported by the respondents included: malaria is caused by drinking unclean water; hot sun predisposes people to malaria, prolonged malaria brings about yellow fever and mosquitoes carry AIDS virus etc. More enlightenment efforts should focus on the nature and severity of mosquito – borne diseases.

Description

A research article with tables

Keywords

Mosquitoes, attitudes, beliefs, insurgence Diseases, Department of Biotechnology

Citation

Mgbemena, I. C., Opara, F. N. & Okechukwu, R. I. (2010). Attitudes and local beliefs towards mosquito insurgence in Imo State, Nigeria. Journal of American Science, 6(10), 430 - 434

DOI