Abstract
Background
Malaria
remains one of the most important public health problem in tropical and sub-tropical areas of which Nigeria belongs.
Malaria can progress from mild illness to severe illness, to death over a brief eriod of time. The
mothers/caregivers ability to recognize childhood malaria-related morbidity is
crucial as knowledge; attitude and healthcare seeking behaviour of the
caregivers towards malaria could influence response.
Objectives
The
general objective of the study was to ascertain the healthcare seeking behaviour among women and caregivers in
the management of malaria in children in Enugu metropolis. The
specific objectives were: (i) determine the influence of socio-demographic
factors on the healthcare seeking behaviour of caregivers (ii) determine the influence
of socio-economic status on the healthcare seeking behaviours of caregivers. (iii) determine the perception and
knowledge of caregivers on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment pattern the
caregivers use for the management of the disease. (iv) determine the factors which may delay prompt and
appropriate treatment seeking behaviour of the caregivers.
Method
Interviewer
guided questionnaire were administered to mothers/caregivers of children under
12 years old in 400 households using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Results were analyzed
using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results
In
this study, 71.60% of the caregivers have correct knowledge of the signs, symptoms
and danger signs of malaria and 60% of the caregivers could associate mosquito bite as cause of malaria. Also,
fever and convulsion were correctly identified
as major danger signs of malaria. The high socioeconomic status group 69.20% utilized
the pharmacies and health centres in the management of malaria while the low socioeconomic
status group 81.08% made more use of patent medicine stores. Reasons given for
none use of health facilities were severity and length of illness, high cost of
treatment, lack of prompt attention, poor attitude of staff, and distance of
the health centres. 80% of the caregivers still use home treatment to manage
their cases. The mean duration before
attending a health facility was 72 hours and the decision for seeking treatment
at health facility of other healthcare options were both parents.
Conclusion
Even though
mothers/caregivers of children under 12 years in the metropolis studied have correct
knowledge of signs, symptoms and management
of malaria, majority still utilize self-medication with information obtained
from previous experience or drug sellers (pharmacists and patent medicine
stores). This leads to inappropriate care for the children. There is need to
promote appropriate treatment of malaria by creating nearby health facilities
and developing strategies to improve on home management in this endemic areas.
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