Exposure to Malaria Messaging: A Nationally Stratified Cross-Sectional Study on Information Dissemination in Ghana and its Implications for the SDGs

Background Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Ghana despite ongoing and sustained control efforts. The success of these initiatives depends heavily on effective communication; however, there is limited national-level evidence on the population reach of malaria-related messages. Understanding which groups receive these messages and which do not is essential for improving malaria prevention, optimizing public health investments, and advancing progress toward the health targets of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3). Methods This study analyzed data from the 2019 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey (GMIS) to assess exposure to malaria messages and identify associated sociodemographic factors. The sample included 3,004 women aged 15–49 years. Descriptive statistics were calculated to determine the prevalence of exposure to malaria messages within the preceding six months. Multivariable logistic regression models were then used to examine associations between message exposure and predictor variables such as age, ethnicity, region, literacy level, and indicators of media access. Results Overall, 55.2% of respondents reported exposure to malaria messages within the past six months. Multivariable logistic regression revealed significant associations between message exposure and several factors, including age, ethnicity, region of residence, and literacy level. Unexpected patterns emerged with respect to media access: women without electricity and those lacking radio access had higher odds of reporting exposure to malaria messages. These findings suggest the presence of alternative or community‑driven communication channels that extend beyond traditional media. The results collectively highlighted marked disparities in the reach and distribution of malaria communication efforts nationwide. Conclusions This study demonstrates that Ghana’s malaria communication campaigns do not reach all population groups equally. The observed disparities particularly those linked to sociodemographic and regional factors underscore the need for more targeted, context‑specific, and multi‑channel communication strategies. Strengthening equitable access to malaria information is essential for improving prevention behaviors, guiding efficient allocation of resources, and accelerating national progress toward SDG3.