How malaria patients perceive the elimination process the disease in the Brazilian Amazon?

Background: Brazil implemented a malaria elimination program to comply with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) until 2030. Malaria in Brazil is concentrated in the Amazon region and perpetuates poverty in the most vulnerable population. Several authors have shown that the population's perception of a particular health problem is the key factor for the construction to effective control measures. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify patients' perceptions about malaria and elimination measures in Brazilian Amazon. Materials and Methods: In the qualitative approach, were recruited, using a purposeful sampling, 24 patients in treatment for malaria and most of them were infected with Plasmodium vivax. A semi-structured interview were conducted and thematic analysis was performed. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado. Results: A preliminary thematic analysis revealed three major themes: 1) Knowledge about the disease; 2) The use of current control tools; 3) Risk behaviors for malaria. Participant’s perceptions about malaria elimination process were influenced by the past memories associated with painful stories of deaths. Concerning the possible use of Mass Drug Administration, the most of them (14/24) were worried about the medication without the laboratory diagnosis. Regarding the risk factors for malaria, 20 participants believe that the mosquito bite occurs only near rivers and only at a specific time. About knowledge of malaria, 13 patients believe that the consumption of fatty foods interferes negatively in their recovery or these foods predispose to contracting the disease. Conclusions: Considering the perceptions of these patients a health education measures are need for this specific reality. Therefore, Amazon region requires coordinated strategies to eliminate the disease and the sensitization of the population affected by the disease is a major factor in the success of this program.