Ethnobotanical survey of plant mosquito repellents: Knowledge, utilization, and application methods for malaria prevention in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda

Abstract

Abstract Background Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Uganda, particularly in rural areas where access to conventional vector control tools is limited. Communities often use locally available plants as mosquito repellents, but documentation of the specific plants used, their utilization levels, and application methods in the Rwenzori region are limited. This study aimed to identify the types of plants used locally to repel mosquitoes, assess the level of utilization of plant-based mosquito repellents, and determine the methods of application employed by communities. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2024 in the seven districts and one city of the Rwenzori region, Western Uganda. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 173 household heads. Data were collected using a pre-tested, translated (Runyoro, Rutooro, Lukonzo) KoboCollect questionnaire and analyzed descriptively with SPSS version 23. Results Eighty-six percent of respondents reported using plant-based mosquito repellents, with 55% relying exclusively on plants. The most used plants were Cymbopogon citratus (citronella/lemon grass, 39.9%), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary, 25.7%), and Eucalyptus spp . (24.3%). The primary application method was planting repellent plants around the house (51.4%), followed by hanging injured plant parts in windows and doorways (28.4%). Other methods included burning or crushing plant parts and applying extracts/oils. Conclusion Plant-based mosquito repellents are widely used in the Rwenzori region. This study documents community knowledge and practices that could inform future integrated vector management strategies. Further research is needed to evaluate the entomological and epidemiological effectiveness of the plant repellents that are most used plants and the methods commonly applied.