Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41526919›Full record

ReviewMalaria journal2026

Synthesis of qualitative evidence on community experiences and perceptions of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria and factors influencing prevention and healthcare-seeking behaviours in Malaysia.

Mila Nu Nu Htay, Nik Hamzah Nik Mohd, Mon Mon Thawda Oo, Lin Phyo Phyo San, Adinegara Lutfi Abas

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Malaria journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Mila Nu Nu HtayCentre for Population Health (CePH), Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. mila.htay@um.edu.my.
Nik Hamzah Nik MohdFaculty of Medicine, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Mon Mon Thawda OoFaculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia, Melaka, Malaysia.
Lin Phyo Phyo SanDepartment of Medicine, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long, Selangor, Malaysia.
Adinegara Lutfi AbasDepartment of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia, Melaka, Malaysia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMalaria remains a significant public health challenge, and Plasmodium knowlesi malaria has become the predominant cause of malaria in Malaysia. Despite progress in eliminating nonzoonotic malaria species, Malaysia continues to face challenges in controlling P. knowlesi. While epidemiological and vector control studies are reported, less is known about the community-level sociocultural dynamics influencing prevention behaviours. Therefore, this qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) aims to consolidate existing evidence on community experiences and perceptions related to P. knowlesi malaria, as well as the social, cultural, and contextual factors influencing prevention and healthcare-seeking behaviours in Malaysia.

methodsThis QES protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD 420251045457). A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic databases, and data analysis followed Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis method.

resultsThe QES included five qualitative and mixed-method studies published between 2022 and 2024 that explored community perspectives on P. knowlesi malaria in Malaysia. Three analytical themes were synthesized: (1) 'Knowledge and Lived Realities Shape Community Risk Perception of Knowlesi Malaria', suggesting community understanding of P. knowlesi, fear of hospitalization and income loss influencing health-seeking behaviours; (2) 'Environmental, Structural, and Social Barriers Constrain Community Engagement with Malaria Prevention and Healthcare Seeking', where environmental exposure, occupational risks, challenges to the use of personal protection, and access barriers were major determinants; and (3) 'Malaria Prevention Practices Reflect Local Knowledge, and Availability of Formal Prevention Measures', highlighting the application of natural and household remedies for prevention, while using formal preventive measures.

conclusionsThis QES consolidates the available evidence for P. knowlesi malaria control strategies including prevention and healthcare seeking. It highlights that malaria prevention behaviours are shaped not only by knowledge on transmission and diseases, but also by the social, environmental, and cultural realities in local context. Therefore, integrating local community perspectives and challenges into prevention and vector control programs could enhance the sustainability and equity in rural areas in Malaysia.

Indexed as

Health Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeMalariaPatient Acceptance of Health CarePlasmodium knowlesiHumansMalaysiaHealth-seeking behavioursMalariaMalaysiaPlasmodium knowlesiPrevention

Identifiers

PMID41526919
PMCPMC12888265

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.