A scoping review of community knowledge in malaria prevention and control programmes

by Faizul Akmal Abdul Rahim, Mohd Amierul Fikri Mahmud, Mohd Hatta Abdul Mutalip, Norzawati Yoep, Mohd Amiru Hariz Aminuddin, Ahmad Mohiddin Mohd Ngesom

Background

Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Despite considerable progress through biomedical interventions, persistent transmission underscores the need to examine additional influencing factors. This scoping review maps existing evidence on community knowledge in malaria prevention and control strategies, aiming to inform more targeted and culturally adapted interventions.

Methods

Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed, English-language studies published between 2000 and 2024. Eligible studies focused on community knowledge related to malaria prevention, control, and elimination among non-specific populations. Two independent reviewers screened the literature, while a third reviewer resolved any discrepancies. Data were extracted using a standardised framework and analysed systematically in Microsoft Excel.

Results

The review included 63 studies from 27 countries, predominantly from Africa (68.3%) and Asia (28.6%), with a notable increase in publications in 2021. The findings revealed significant regional variations in community knowledge of malaria transmission, symptoms, and prevention. Higher levels of awareness were consistently linked with better preventive practices and earlier treatment-seeking behaviour. However, critical knowledge gaps persisted, particularly concerning environmental risk factors and vector control, highlighting the need for context-specific health education programmes.

Conclusion

Community knowledge is a pivotal determinant of malaria prevention success, yet disparities persist across endemic regions. To optimise control efforts, it is essential to prioritise locally tailored, evidence-based education that addresses knowledge gaps and strengthens community engagement. Integrating local perspectives into intervention design will be essential for achieving sustainable malaria elimination.