Psychosomatics of malaria
Houghton, D.L.
Papua and New Guinea Medical Journal 23(1): 26-33
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-1480 PMID: 6934666 Document Number: 155955
Cerebral malaria with psychosomatic manifestations is one aspect of malaria which may be mistaken for mental illness. However, the psychosomatic aspects of malaria are also concerned with the biological, psychological and social influences which may determine changes in disease incidence and distribution. An individual may obstruct malaria control operations by making decisions which interfere with their performance and effectiveness, and 2 important factors discussed are the refusal of indoor spraying and the failure to take antimalarial drugs. At the community level, cultural beliefs, socio-economic development, population movements, behavioural habits and community involvement may all influence the risk of malaria and the results of attempts to control it.