Health communication frequency and malaria control: A cross-sectional case study of malaria consortium in Kamwenge District, Uganda.

Abstract

Background

Malaria remains a major public health concern in Uganda, and effective health communication is increasingly recognized as a critical tool for disease prevention and community engagement. This study examined the relationship between the frequency of health communication and malaria control outcomes in Kamwenge District, Uganda.

Methodology

A cross-sectional research design was employed, involving 192 respondents selected from the District Health Management Team and community beneficiaries across 13 sub-counties. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and simple linear regression.

Results

Results showed an equal gender representation, with 96 males (50%) and 96 females (50%). Most respondents were aged 34-39 years (41.2%), predominantly Protestants (40.1%), and largely degree holders (55.2%). Private business was the most common economic activity (52.6%). Respondents strongly agreed that training workshops, radio programs, educational materials, and other communication initiatives significantly enhanced malaria prevention (Mean = 4.75; SD = 0.436). Pearson’s correlation revealed a moderate positive and statistically significant relationship between frequency of health communication and malaria control (r = 0.493, p = 0.000). Regression results indicated that communication frequency accounted for 23.2% of the variance in malaria control outcomes (Adjusted R² = 0.232; β = 0.493, p = 0.000), confirming that increased exposure to health messages improves malaria prevention practices.

Conclusions

The correlation and regression results revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between the frequency of health communication and Malaria Control in Uganda.

Recommendations

In ensuring the impact of the frequency of health communication on malaria control, the use of radio should be emphasized in communicating malaria messages to them, most importantly when radio allows for the use of any language, including various mother tongues – Luganda, Lusoga, Hausa, Igbo, and so on.