What do British service personnel know about malaria?

Background: Approximately 2000 cases of malaria are imported into the United Kingdom each year, and 10 to 14 patients die. Evidence has been published suggesting that levels of knowledge about the disease are chronically poor among travelers. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the levels of knowledge of malaria in a deployable population from all three services of the U.K. armed forces. Method: A questionnaire-based survey was undertaken, asking questions regarding core knowledge about malaria and regarding other health issues, beliefs, and experiences that might influence knowledge about malaria. Results: Core knowledge concerning malaria was variable, and questions concerning experiences and beliefs generated from other health issues were generally answered poorly. The Royal Air Force showed the best knowledge and the Army the worst. Those with longer service and higher rank had better knowledge than did junior soldiers with shorter service. Core knowledge about malaria among male subjects was generally good, but overall knowledge appeared to be better among female subjects. Conclusions: Levels of malaria awareness are variable in the U.K. armed forces and, in general, worse in the Army and among those with less time in the services.