Knowledge and practices of malaria prevention among community members of Kyankende, Kiryandongo, Uganda, 2026

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Uganda, contributing significantly to outpatient visits and hospital admissions. In Kiryandongo District, communities perceive malaria as a serious threat, despite ongoing national control measures including long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and test-and-treat strategies. This study assessed malaria prevention knowledge and practices among community members in Kyankende Parish, Kiryandongo District. A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed. Household heads from three randomly selected villages were surveyed using structured questionnaires. A multi-stage sampling approach with proportional allocation ensured the selection of representative households. Data included knowledge of malaria transmission, prevention practices, and treatment-seeking behavior. Most respondents correctly identified mosquitoes as malaria vectors, 330 (86.6%), and understood transmission through mosquito bites, 291 (76.4%). Treatment-seeking within 2–3 days was reported by 199 (52.2%), mainly through traditional remedies, although Village Health Teams and health centres were also used. Preventive practices were low; 133 (34.9%) never slept under a bed net, 63 (16.5%) inconsistently slept under mosquito nets, 49 (12.6%) never cleaned stagnant water, and 170 (44.6%) sometimes trimmed bushes around households. Bed nets were prioritized for mothers 171 (44.9%), and children under five years, 165 (43.3%). Socio-economic limitations led to seeking treatment for malaria by looking for local herbs 129 (33.9%) and traditional healers 39 (10.2%). While malaria knowledge was generally high, inconsistent prevention practices and socio-economic limitations reduced overall household protection. Strengthening interventions, promoting universal bed-net coverage, community participation in environmental control, and addressing financial barriers are critical to improving malaria prevention in Kyankende Parish.