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 a crosssectional 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 control measures 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.