Despite the availability of effective drugs to prevent malaria during pregnancy using intermittent preventive treatment with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine or Fansidar and insecticide bed net, use of these methods are still little used in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania. As a result, many pregnant women are at risk of malaria consequences such as maternal anemia and low birth weight babies, which increase the rate of infant mortality. Data from the Demographic Health Survey for Tanzania HIV/AIDs and the Malaria Indicator Survey 2011-2012 were used in a cross-sectional design guided by the health belief model. Logistic regression examined the association between (a) preventive treatment-seeking behavior and (b) SES, malaria media exposure, knowledge of malaria signs and symptoms, perceived seriousness of malaria, and knowledge of malaria preventive measures. After controlling for transportation, family responsibility, and age, significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between SES, malaria media exposure, knowledge of malaria signs and symptom, perceived seriousness of malaria, knowledge of malaria preventive measures, and treatment-seeking behavior. This study contributes to positive social change by helping design and implement policies and programs to improve the knowledge of Tanzanian pregnant women about the risk of malaria infection and the benefits of preventive treatments. Interventions to reduce malaria infection during pregnancy will reduce the associated morbidity and mortality of both mothers and infants; as a result, families and communities will be healthier and prevent unnecessary medical cost of malaria.

MPH / Department of Public Health / Background: Malaria is a public health issue killing more than 435 000 people in Sub Saharan Africa. In South Africa, malaria is endemic in 3 provinces namely: Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Kwazulu Natal. Limpopo Province contributes more cases than the other provinces in the country. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess community knowledge and prevention practices of malaria at Masisi village, in Mutale Municipality, Vhembe District. The study was conducted at Mutale municipality, Vhembe District. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive approach was used. Data was collected using a questionnaire with open and close ended questions. The targeted population was made up of males and females between the ages of 18 to 75. Validity and reliability have been ensured in the study and the results for reliability were 0.85. Pretesting was done in 5 household at Sanari village which is near Masisi village as they share the same characteristics. A sample of 152 participants was selected from the target population by means of systematic sampling and then select them randomly. Questionnaires were used to collect data. There after Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. The analyzed data were presented in tables, graphs, and in percentages. Results: The findings revealed that majority of the participants 103(67.8%) have secondary education, and most of them, 103(67.8%) are unemployed. The study revealed that about 77% have knowledge regarding malaria transmission. About 130(85.5%) indicated that malaria is caused by a mosquito bite. About 57(38.51%) indicated that they use mosquito coils and nets in their household. Conclusion: Malaria still poses a threat to the lives of people living in malaria endemic areas. Community members at Masisi village have better insight regarding malaria transmission, causes and signs and symptoms. Although the community shows a better understanding of the prevention method they still has to put this into practice in order to eliminate malaria in the area. Health workers are doing a great job in educating the community regarding malaria related issues. / NRF