Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Malaria Among the Undergraduate Students of University of Abuja, Nigeria

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of causes and management of malaria by students of university of Abuja, with an aim to addressing the disease contribution to the failure rates and absenteeism on the campus. Methods: Close-ended questionnaire were prepared and distributed to the 373 eligible undergraduate students of the University to determine their knowledge and management of malaria infection. Results: Approximately 362 (97%) of the respondents perceived mosquitoes as agent of transmission of malaria parasite. Fever as a primary symptom of malaria, was strongly agreed to by 87.4%. Approximately 88.7% and 83.9% participants believed that the university health facility respectively lacked sufficient drugs and doctors to treat malaria. Conclusion: This study has shown that the undergraduate students of University of Abuja, Nigeria possessed moderate knowledge but poor management of malaria. This may be contributing to high morbidity and reservoir population on the campus. We advise on sustained and diversified public health education on the subject matter in the university.