Malaria persists in 13 of Bangladesh's 64 districts, notably in the Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) districts consisting of Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachhari. While prior studies have explored malaria in Bangladesh, none have delved into the behavioral and climatic factors that simultaneously contribute to its persistence in the CHT districts. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating behaviors influencing malaria persistence in Bangladesh's endemic region, focusing on the Lama, Alikodom, and Naikhongchhari subdistricts of Bandarban district. Data were collected through surveys and key informant interviews (KIIs) in Lama and Alikodom, revealing tribal villages as having the highest concentration of cases, with inhabitants lacking essential knowledge about malaria and prevention methods. Socio-economic dynamics between tribal and Bengali communities emerged as a barrier to accepting information provided by NGOs. Additionally, occupation (employment) was found to be closely linked to malarial sickness. These findings can inform policies to eradicate malaria and protect tribal minorities. Meanwhile, in Naikhongchhari, this study analyzes the relationship between malaria incidence and climatic variables such as rainfall and temperature from 2013 to 2022. Utilizing NGO malaria registry data and meteorological data, significant correlations between rainfall, temperature, and malaria incidence were identified, with temperature and rainfall spikes preceding increases in cases. Despite limitations such as retrospective data collection inaccuracies and omitted determinants, these findings underscore the importance of considering climatic factors in malaria control efforts, necessitating further research for a comprehensive understanding of malaria dynamics. Combined, the overall findings suggest the need for greater education measures using improved communication devoted to preventative efforts among the ethnic minority residents of the CHTs, particularly during the time periods immediately after high rainfall and temperature. Such efforts could contribute greatly to Bangladesh's attempt to eliminate malaria within its borders. / Master of Science / Malaria remains a persistent issue in 13 out of Bangladesh's 64 districts, particularly prevalent in the Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) districts like Khagrachhari, Bandarban, and Rangamati. Previous studies have overlooked the behavioral and climatic factors contributing to malaria's endurance in the CHT districts. This study fills this gap by investigating behavioral influences on malaria persistence, focusing on subdistricts like Lama, Alikodom, and Naikhongchhari in Bandarban district. Surveys and key informant interviews in Lama and Alikodom revealed tribal villages as hotspots for malaria, with inhabitants lacking crucial knowledge about prevention methods. Socio-economic disparities between tribal and Bengali communities hinder the acceptance of information provided by NGOs. Occupation was identified as closely linked to malarial sickness. In Naikhongchhari, the study explores the correlation between climatic variables and malaria incidence from 2013 to 2022, finding significant relationships between rainfall, temperature, and malaria cases. Temperature and rainfall spikes preceded increases in malaria cases. Despite limitations like retrospective data collection issues, the findings stress the importance of considering climatic factors in malaria control strategies. Enhanced education and communication efforts, particularly targeting ethnic minority residents of the CHTs, could significantly aid Bangladesh's malaria elimination efforts.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/119303 |
| Date | 05 June 2024 |
| Creators | Kabir Adrita, Mahjabin |
| Contributors | Geography, Kolivras, Korine N., Crawford, Thomas Wall, Galappaththi, Eranga |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Coverage | Bangladesh |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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