Comparison of determinants of utilization of community based malaria control strategies in selected communities of Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria despite been preventable, has remained a major public health problem and among the top ten killer diseases in the world. Freedom from malaria is the basic right of human kind. The study assessed and compared the determinants of utilization of community based malaria control strategies.

Methodology: The study was comparative cross-sectional in nature and involved comparison of selected rural and urban communities. Data was collected from 744 mother-child pairs. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the required study subjects. Simple frequencies, chi-square and multivariate analysis were carried out.

Result: Only 42% and 58.7% of the respondents in the rural community and urban communities respectively had good knowledge of malaria and its control measures with an average of 50%. Utilization rates of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated nets (LLINs) and Intermittent Preventive Treatment in this study were 31.7% and 10.8% in the rural compared to 35.2% and 25.5% in the urban communities respectively. The predictors of LLIN and IPTp use in both communities were good knowledge of community based malaria control strategies, perceived susceptibility to malaria and antenatal care attendance in the last pregnancy and early gestational age at booking.

Conclusion: This study revealed that gap still exist in the knowledge and utilization of community based malaria control strategies. This reiterates the need to empower communities with regular, correct and appropriate health care information, and resources to improve on their existing practices, with respect to community based malaria control strategies.

Keywords: Malaria Control Strategies, Community, Utilization