The Human Ecology of Malaria in a Highland Region of South-West Kenya

Summary

Objective: This study assessed interactions between human beings and their immediate micro-ecological environment with regard to malaria transmission at the household level.

Methods: Malaria cases and their controls were sampled from a local health care facility. A spot check of potential risk factors for malaria around the subjects’ dwelling places was done. A standardized questionnaire was administered to investigate human behavior that could lead to increased risk of malaria.

Results: Outdoor activities at night, living in houses with eaves, keeping cattle close to human dwellings and presence of stagnant water around the homesteads were associated with increased risk of malaria.

Conclusion: Living in houses with open eaves and being out at night were found to influence malaria incidences at household level.

Keywords

Malaria and housing - environmental risks - behavioral risk factors

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