Table 2 Main normative behaviours and attitudes reported during the PD situation analysis in Sampov Luon, Cambodia, 2010

Majority of migrant workers come for seasonal work in the area

Majority stay 15–30 days before returning to their hometown

A few migrants stay up to 3–4 months in the village

Both male and female migrants are hired by landowners

Migrants stay with the landlords in the village

Most respondents correctly identified signs and symptoms of malaria

Most respondents mentioned that mosquitoes spread malaria, but many related it to other causes such as dirty water, unhygienic environment, forest spirits and ‘changing of the land’

Men, especially male migrant workers, were recognised to be the highest risk group due to conducting activities in the forest and being out at night working or socialising

Delay in seeking healthcare for 1–2 days was a norm upon presentation of fever

Most respondents reported that they first consulted private drug sellers for treatment, and only if symptoms persisted would they go to health centre for diagnosis

Many reported using traditional medicine or coin rubbing when they get fever

Many preferred public facilities due to low cost; however, landowners often preferred private sector due to distance to heath centre and unreliable availability of staff or medicines at health centre

Many visited VMWs for testing but stated frustration that VMWs cannot do anything with a negative test result

Ownership and usage of LLINs by residents was high

Many residents reported wearing long sleeves and burning coils

Ownership and use of LLINs or LLIHNs by migrants was low

Reports of holes in LLINs was common

Correct usage of bed nets was poor

Some landowners kept extra nets to give to their migrant workers