Knowledge of malaria and practice of home management of malaria among mothers of under fives

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. It is the 3rd leading cause of death for children under five years worldwide. Home-based management of malaria may go a long way in reducing the attending morbidity and mortality associated with malaria in this group of subjects.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 66 mothers of under five children accessing services in under five clinic in a tertiary health institution to determine the knowledge of malaria and practice of Home Management of Malaria (HMM).
Result: The respondents in the study were within the age range of 16 – 45 years with mean age of 25 ± 5 years. Majority (95.5%) of the mothers of under-fives were aware of malaria while only 34.8% had heard of HMM. Less than half (42.4%) of the respondent had practiced management of malaria at home within 24 hours of onset of fever and only 25% used the recommended drug. Age and level of education of the mothers of under fives were significantly associated with the practice of HMM (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study demonstrates the low level of practice of HMM among mothers of under-fives.

Keywords: Knowledge, Practice, Home Management of Malaria, Under-fives