Assessing the Knowledge about the Role of Alcohol during Malaria and its Interactions with Antimalarial Medications amongst Adults: A Cross Sectional Survey in Buea Health District, Cameroon.

Yuwong Bertrand Wanyu; Ambe Fabrice Ngwa; Lahngong Methodius Shinyuy; David Denis Sofeu-feugaing; Vanessa Tita Jugha; Nda Helen Tiku; Bobga Pride Tanyi; Musa Seraphin Ombel Nji; Mainsah Steve Berinyuy; Taiwe Germain Sotoing

doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20250201052056

Abstract
Background: Malaria remains a pressing global health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where its impact is exacerbated by various behavioural factors, including alcohol consumption. This study aimed to assess the knowledge about the role of alcohol during malaria and its interactions with antimalarial medications amongst adults in Buea Health District.
Methods: Structural questionnaires were administered to 300 adults residing in Buea Health District between May and August 2022 to obtain sociodemographic factors and to evaluate knowledge about the role of alcohol during malaria and its interactions with antimalarial medications. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 23, and Chi-square test used to assess the associations between sociodemographic factors and good knowledge, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: 55% of the participants had good knowledge about the role of alcohol during malaria and its interactions with antimalarial medications. Males had a better knowledge (62.18%) and most of the participants who had a good knowledge fall between 25 and 34 years (68.22 %), and majority of participants having good knowledge were students (73.18 %). Age and occupation (P<0.0001) were significantly associated with good knowledge.
Conclusion: These findings reveal a relatively low knowledge about the role of alcohol during malaria and its interactions with antimalarial medications, and a significant association of good knowledge with age and occupation of participants.

Key words: Knowledge, alcohol, malaria, antimalarial medications, Buea Health District