Published in PLOS One on 2026-05-27, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Steve Joko, Yacouba Poumachu, Rehema Ouko, Nelly Armanda Kala-Chouakeu, Roland Bamou, Emmanuel Elanga-Ndillé, Parfait Awono-Ambene, Christophe Antonio-Nkondjio, Timoléon Tchuinkam, Cyrille Ndo, Clement Yaro
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0348617
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, including Cameroon, despite ongoing control efforts. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) studies are essential for identifying behavioural determinants of persistent transmission in communities especially in those of rural areas. To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards malaria in a Cameroonian village and investigate their association with parasitological prevalence in a peri-urban Cameroonian village and investigate their association with parasitological prevalence, highlighting silent transmission in the population. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Emana village (Cameroon) involving 249 participants for parasitological screening (microscopy) and a subgroup of 104 with complete sociodemographic data. KAP scores were analysed using non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, Spearman correlation). Malaria prevalence was evaluated using chi-square tests and univariate logistic regression. Categories were regrouped when necessary for complementary analyses. Knowledge and attitudes were generally satisfactory and homogeneous across the population, with no significant association with sociodemographic factors (all p > 0.05). Practices were generally poor but significantly better among women than men (p = 0.014). Overall malaria prevalence was 24.9%, significantly higher in the 5–18 years age group (13.25%, p = 0.027), highlighting silent and persistent transmission in this age bracket. No significant associations were observed with occupation or household size; education showed heterogeneous trends depending on category grouping. Despite satisfactory knowledge and positive attitudes, a persistent knowledge-to-practice gap exists, across subgroups, contributing to silent transmission. These findings support targeted interventions: strengthened messaging, and enhanced surveillance in all categories particularly the 5–18 years age group. Complementary qualitative studies could further explore specific practical barriers.
Introduction
Malaria is one of the most dangerous diseases in the world and remains a real public health problem. Africa is the continent most affected, with around 228 million cases and almost 608,000 deaths. Countries where malaria is endemic are implementing measures such as the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying of insecticides (IRS), rapid diagnosis and intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women and children and recently the use of malaria vaccines for the prevention of P. falciparum malaria in children living in malaria endemic areas, to combat this deadly disease [1]. A considerable reduction in the global burden of malaria has been observed since the 2000s [2, 3] but the global burden of malaria remains high despite the control measures undertaken. Cameroon, like many African countries, is highly affected by malaria whit around 6 million cases annually, the disease burden being highest in rural areas [1]. This is due to environmental factors that favor the breeding of mosquitoes, restricted access to health services, and a lack of medical infrastructure.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider public health desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Steve Joko, Yacouba Poumachu, Rehema Ouko, Nelly Armanda Kala-Chouakeu, Roland Bamou, Emmanuel Elanga-Ndillé, Parfait Awono-Ambene, Christophe Antonio-Nkondjio, Timoléon Tchuinkam, Cyrille Ndo, Clement Yaro. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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