Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to meningitis in northern Ghana

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Aug;89(2):265-70. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.12-0515. Epub 2013 Jun 17.

Abstract

Meningitis has a significant impact in the Sahel, but the mechanisms for transmission and factors determining a person's vulnerability are not well understood. Our survey examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of people in a meningitis-endemic area in the Upper East region of northern Ghana to identify social, economic, and behavioral factors that may contribute to disease transmission and possible interventions that might improve health outcomes. Key results suggest potential interventions in response to the risk posed by migration, especially seasonal migration, a lack of knowledge about early symptoms causing delayed treatment, and a need for further education about the protective benefits of vaccination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Ghana / epidemiology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / prevention & control*
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / psychology
  • Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup A*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires