The effect of illiteracy on the prevalence of malaria in Yekepa, Liberia: A descriptive study.

摘要

The goal of this descriptive research study was to glean information from literate and illiterate participants in Yekepa, Liberia, as they relate to the effects of illiteracy on the prevalence of malaria. The investigation was driven by six interview questions. Data were collected from 25 literate and 28 illiterate participants who had experiences with Malaria. Data collection transpired in a community center in Yekepa. The findings of the study showed that both the literate and illiterate populations have some understanding of malaria, its effects, treatment, cure, and possible eradication. The illiterate population did not seem to apply their knowledge to the prevention and treatment of the disease, while the literate population did. The study was able to glean three emergent themes about why Malaria is prevalent. The emergent themes were (a) confusion in approaches to prevention, (b) need for greater awareness, and (c) the perception that government is responsible for eradication of Malaria. The research study was not without limitations, and further research on the topic was recommended. Major limitations could have been because of the diversity in educational level of the participants and the participants giving answers they assumed the researcher was seeking. With further research exploring why the illiterate populate did not seek treatment with the knowledge that they have, more data could be collected and analyzed that may yield clearer insight.