Caregivers’ vector control methods and its effect on malaria infection in febrile children presenting in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Several efforts are being made to reduce its prevalence and morbidity in Nigerian children with emphasis
on vector control measures.
Methods: This was acrosssectional descriptive study conducted on 382 febrile children seen at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria over an eight-month period. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic, vector control measures and care given to the subjects. Investigations conducted included malaria microscopy and total leukocyte count.
Results: Eighty percent (308/382) employed at least one vector controlmeasures to prevent malaria infection, and majority 232 (75.2%) use only one control measure. The commonest control measures used included always keeping doors and windows shut 298 (96.7%) and/or netted 280 (90.9%), use of conventional insecticide sprays 183 (59.4%), use of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs) 178 (57.8%) and ensuring child sleeps at night with body adequately covered 77(25%). Approximately half (178/315) of households who owned ITN used it, and only 40.4% (72/178) used it daily. It was noted that children that slept under an insecticide treated bed net (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33-0.94; P=0.029) and those who slept well covered at night (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12-0.61; P=0.002) had less risk of malaria infection. The use insecticide treated bed net however lost significance following adjustment for other control measures used and socio-demographic factors of interest (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.36-1.10;P=0.101).
Conclusion: There is need to intensify education on appropriate malaria control measures especially proper use of insecticide-treated nets and suitable clothing during sleep at night.