Work

Monastery-based Health Education to Promote Malaria Knowledge and Preventive Practices in Rural Myanmar

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Malaria remains a major public health challenge in rural Myanmar, where culturally appropriate community-based health promotion strategies are needed to improve malaria knowledge and preventive practices. This study evaluated a monastery-based health education program led by Buddhist monks in northern Myanmar. Methods A quasi-experimental design was used, with one village assigned to the intervention group and another to the control group. Between July and September 2022, the intervention group participated in six monastery-based education sessions, while both groups continued routine malaria control activities. Surveys were conducted at baseline and at three- and six-month post-intervention using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and generalized estimating equations (GEE) models. Results Baseline demographic characteristics and outcome scores were comparable between groups ( p > 0.05). At three and six months, the intervention group showed significant improvements in malaria knowledge (3 months: β = 4.32, 95% CI: 2.72–5.92, p < 0.001; 6 months: β = 2.09, 95% CI: 0.29–3.88, p = 0.023) and preventive practices (3 months: β = 6.47, 95% CI: 5.15–7.78, p < 0.001; 6 months: β = 4.88, 95% CI: 3.38–6.38, p < 0.001) compared with controls. Previous malaria experience was positively associated with preventive practices ( β = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.12–1.34, p = 0.019). Conclusions Monastery-based education represents a culturally grounded, participatory approach that was associated with improved malaria knowledge and self-reported preventive practices. This approach may complement community-based malaria control in resource-limited settings where monasteries serve as trusted community institutions.

Source: AJPM Focus

DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2026.100552

Authors: Pyae Linn Aung, Kyawt Mon Win, May Chan Oo, Kyaw Lwin Show, Tepanata Pumpaibool

Institutions: Chulalongkorn University, Ministry of Health, Department of Public Health

Language: English

Topic: Malaria Research and Control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,910