Malaria-related social and behavioral risk factors in Thailand: a review.

Abstract

A review of the social and behavioral risk factors that have been implicated in malaria infection in Thailand was done as a basis for designing a conceptual framework in formulating recommendations of strategies and research needs to ensure better implementation and/or maximization of the effectiveness of existing malaria control measures in the country. These factors can be broadly divided into three categories: (1) social and behavioral risk factors favoring increased occurrence and transmission, ie population movements, irregular use or non-use of mosquito nets, partial or non-conformance with residual DDT house spraying, etc, (2) behavioral risk factors predisposing to occurrence of severe and complicated malaria, not clearly known, probably delayed treatment, (3) behavioral risk factors related to occurrence of drug resistance, ie treatment-seeking patterns, practices of drug utilization and population movements. Recommendations on research needs as well as strategies for a more effective control program are given.