Results regarding knowledge and practices
with respect to malaria are given in
Table 2. In general, the Karen had a significantly
higher proportion of correct knowledge
about the cause, symptoms, prevention
and transmission of malaria compared
to the Mon. More than 50% of both groups
were not aware of breeding places of the
vectors. Most respondents used mosquito
nets for prevention. Burning wood and
wearing protective cloth were also popular
preventive measures. Only 60% of respondents
used insecticide treated bed nets (ITN)
with recent treatment; this figure was higher
for the Mon than the Karen. The Mon stated
they used ITN more than the Karen. However,
the Karen were more likely than the
Mon to have received information about the
use of ITN. Of note, the proportion of Karen
having stayed in the forest overnight during
the preceding three months was more
than twice as high as the Mon.
On univariate analysis, the potential
factors associated with malaria, including
socio-economic variables and knowledge
and behavior with respect to malaria, were
included (Table 3). In this analysis, self-reported
malaria was associated with young
age, ability to read Thai, high risk occupation,
correct knowledge about malaria symptoms
and transmission and use of protective
clothes. Borderline associations were seen
with ethnicity, the ability to speak Thai, correct
knowledge of breeding sites, use of repellents,
having received information regarding
ITN use, and regular use of ITN
(Table 3). On multivariate analysis, three factors
influencing self-reported malaria remained
(Table 4): knowledge of malaria
symptoms, ability to read Thai, and having
forest-related occupation.