Using In-Depth Interview and Group Discussion for Infectious Diseases Assessment

#Field Studies

Malaria cases have resurfaced in Central Java, Indonesia, especially in Kebumen District where an outbreak was reported. The study was conducted in the rural district of Rowokele, Kebumen, Central Java to identify local wisdom and community practices which have been an important factor in vector-borne disease control, including malaria control.

Methods: this research was conducted between June 2011 and November 2011, using a qualitative method with an 'ethno-science' approach. Data were taken from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative thematic content analysis was applied to sharpen understanding of the social and cultural aspects of malaria.

Results: the qualitative method with in-depth interviews was able to explain some of the findings, such as the results of the local term malaria, which is called "udug-udug" in Rowokele sub-district. This study showed a lack of understanding of the signs and symptoms of malaria in the hamlet, causing delays of the treatment.

Conclusion: misperceptions about prevention activities also confusion between malaria and dengue fever, were identified. This study detected groups at risk of malaria infection in community practices such as farmers working in the forest and seasonal migration. Recommendation: intensification of health promotion and education about vectors prevention and therapy is important to introduce.

Publication available on: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Community-Knowledge-and-Attitude-on-Malaria-in-Area-Irawan Pujiyanti/ee1f3c0c4aa4711538d49cc767f5c8e919855eb4