Neave Penny E, Soares Maria L
Department of Community Health Development, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.
Childfund, Rua Governador, Laserda de Maia, Vila Verde, Dili, Timor-Leste.
WHO South East Asia J Public Health. 2014 Jan-Mar;3(1):41-45. doi: 10.4103/2224-3151.206882.
Malaria is an important health problem in Timor-Leste. Although funding has been provided to reduce the burden of this disease, few studies have investigated whether this has improved malaria-related knowledge, management of symptoms, and treatment in rural communities. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and practices undertaken in relation to all aspects of malaria control by members of two rural communities in Timor-Leste.
A qualitative study was undertaken in two rural hamlets in Timor-Leste. Research methods included transect walks, focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used to identify themes.
The location of the hamlets near rice fields, leaking taps, inadequate water supplies and dumping of waste from the local hospital provided opportunities for mosquitoes to breed. Most participants were aware of the link between mosquitoes and malaria, but a lack of control over their environment was a major barrierto preventing malaria. The distribution ofbed nets had occurred once, and was the only intervention undertaken bythe National Malaria Control Programme. However, limiting the distribution of bed nets to pregnant women and children aged under 5 years had resulted in some focus group respondents believing that only those in these groups could be affected by malaria. Self-diagnosis and home treatmentwere common. Treatment for unresolved infections depended on access to transport funds, and belief in the power of traditional healers.
Improvements in infrastructure, empowerment of rural communities, and better access to treatment are recommended if the incidence of malaria is to be reduced throughout the country.
疟疾是东帝汶一个重要的健康问题。尽管已提供资金以减轻该疾病的负担，但很少有研究调查这是否改善了农村社区与疟疾相关的知识、症状管理和治疗情况。本研究的目的是探讨东帝汶两个农村社区的成员在疟疾控制各方面的认知和做法。
在东帝汶的两个农村小村庄开展了一项定性研究。研究方法包括横断面走访、焦点小组和半结构化访谈。采用内容分析法确定主题。
村庄位于稻田附近、水龙头漏水、供水不足以及当地医院的垃圾倾倒为蚊子滋生提供了机会。大多数参与者知晓蚊子与疟疾之间的联系，但对环境缺乏控制是预防疟疾的主要障碍。蚊帐只分发过一次，这是国家疟疾控制项目实施的唯一干预措施。然而，将蚊帐的分发限制在孕妇和5岁以下儿童，导致一些焦点小组受访者认为只有这些群体中的人才会感染疟疾。自我诊断和在家治疗很常见。对于未治愈的感染，治疗取决于是否有交通费用以及对传统治疗师能力的信任。
如果要在全国范围内降低疟疾发病率，建议改善基础设施、增强农村社区的能力并提供更好的治疗途径。
