This study was undertaken with an aim of exploring community knowledge and treatment practices related to malaria and their determinants in high- and low-transmission areas of central India. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out between August 2015 and January 2016 in two high- and two low-malaria-endemic districts of central India. A total of 1470 respondents were interviewed using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. Respondents residing in high-transmission areas with higher literacy levels, and of higher socioeconomic status, were found to practise more modern preventive measures than those living in low-transmission areas with low literacy levels and who were economically poor. Level of literacy, socioeconomic status and area (district) of residence were found to be the main factors affecting people’s knowledge of malaria aetiology and clinical features, and prevention and treatment practices, in this community in central India.

Community knowledge of the status, threats and conservation issues affecting the dugong Dugong dugon was investigated in the Sulu Sea, Malaysia. Interviews with local fishermen were conducted in 12 villages from the tip of Tanjung Inaruntung to Jambongan Island, in northern Sabah, Malaysia. According to the respondents dugong numbers are low and sightings are rare. Dugongs have been sighted around Jambongan, Tigabu, Mandidarah and Malawali Islands. The apparent decline of the dugong in this area is possibly because of incidental entanglement in nets, and opportunistic hunting. Seagrasses are present and have economic importance to the community. The fishermen have difficulty in understanding issues of conservation in relation to dugongs. I recommend that conservation initiatives begin with dialogue and an education programme, followed by incentives for development of alternative livelihoods. Using community knowledge for conservation purposes may be the only option in data-deficient regions, especially where financial constraints are high and the need for management intervention for threatened species is urgent.

Accurate knowledge and positive attitudes within the community are important for the effective diagnosis, treatment and support of people with ADHD. Most previous research about knowledge and attitudes has focused only on professional groups and parents of children with ADHD. The aim of this study was to explore knowledge about ADHD characteristics and causes, and attitudes towards issues such as medication in the general population. Six hundred and forty-five members of the Australian community, all of whom were parents, completed a questionnaire. The findings showed that the core features of ADHD were well-known, but there were misconceptions and considerable uncertainty about many aspects. Most respondents failed to recognise the genetic basis of the disorder and its potentially lifelong nature. Fathers were less knowledgeable than mothers. Although most participants believed that ADHD is a genuine disorder and recognised the benefits of medication, the majority believed that it is diagnosed too frequently and that medication is prescribed too readily. The study concluded that, in many respects, the public is not well-informed about ADHD and suggested that the media may have an important role in enhancing community awareness of the disorder through responsible, sensitive and accurate reporting.