Lisa A Asare, MPH, Health Systems and Policy, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Public Health, Primary Care Center, Suite 243, 40 East Laurel Road, Stratford, NJ 08084, 609-292-6962, lisasare@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT. Background. Malaria occurs throughout the year in Ghana. It is the leading cause of mortality in Ghanaian children under five. Therefore caregivers and mothers should be the target of health education efforts in malaria prevention and control. Objective. This qualitative study is the first stage in understanding local practices. It entails an assessment of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Ghanaian mothers and teachers in an effort to harness their skills in malaria prevention and control amongst children. Methods. Through in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews and focus groups, data were collected from individuals (n=50) in an effort to gain a greater understanding of attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that put children at risk or protect them from malaria. Transcripts of interviews and focus groups were analyzed for major themes. Additionally, a walk-by survey was used to ascertain behavioral and environmental health hazards. Results. A total of 24 themes emerged from the data. Themes ranged from misconceptions regarding the source of malaria to acknowledgment that “we create the conditions for disease”. Conclusions. This assessment will serve as the foundation for the development of a school-based intervention. The school-based intervention will serve as a useful starting point, as well as a community mobilization effort drawing in additional stakeholders as needed.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize problems and future opportunities in conducting a community health assessment in resource-constrained settings;
• Describe models used to increase access to qualitative information;
• Employ practical strategies for community based assessment;
• Describe how researchers can effectively move from data to action in the development of a health education intervention.

Keywords: Community Health Assessment,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.