A cross-sectional survey of knowledge of malaria prevention among mobile and migrant populations in Cambodia

Background: Malaria elimination campaigns are making huge strides in Cambodia with a target of elimination by 2025. However, pockets of transmission remain. Predominately in border forested areas in Western Cambodia populations are often part of Mobile and Migrant Populations (MMPs). Methods: The Cambodian Mobile and Migrant Population Survey aimed to gain further insight into MMPs. The cross-sectional survey was carried out across ten malaria endemic health districts in 2017. Separation of MMPs into four main occupational subgroups; construction workers, seasonal workers, forest goers and security personnel, was used for analysis. Results: All MMPs questioned knew what malaria was and most MMPs knew mosquito bites caused malaria. However, there were other misconceptions about how it could be transmitted. Only 6% could correctly name three preventative measures. Overall net ownership was found to be 95% although high it remains lower than the national level. Furthermore, insecticide treated net (ITN) ownership 58%. MMPs reported to sleep under a mosquito net last night was 87% but only 37% of them did use effective ITN. Variation in subgroups was found regarding demographics of MMPs, and mobility. Conclusion: MMPs are not a homogenous group and malaria interventions should focus on specific subgroups. This information should inform and improve effectiveness of future interventions to allow Cambodia to move closer to the 2025 elimination goal. *Correspondence to: Soy Ty Kheang, University Research Co., LLC, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tel: +855 17 988 388; E-mail: ksoyty@urc-chs.com