Effect of health education on mothers' knowledge of management of malaria in Dunukofia L.G.A., Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: About 20% of malaria episodes in Nigeria are treated in the health centres, while care provided at home and community ranked first in the actions taken during illness in under fives. These treatments are usually incorrect or sub-optimal, because of inadequate knowledge of malaria and its management. The main purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of health education in enhancing the knowledge of home management of malaria by mothers in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State. Methods: Two rural communities, Ifitedunu and Ukwulu, in Dunukofia LGA were randomized into study and control communities. A total of 425 mothers with children aged 0-5 years were studied. Data were collected at baseline and 3 months post-intervention using a structured, pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed by means of SPSS version 11 software to compute mean score, chi-square test and percentages. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 percent level of significance. Results: The knowledge of correct mode of transmission of malaria increased significantly after intervention from 80.3% to 89.6%. Majority of the women recognized fever and loss of appetite as symptoms of malaria in children pre and post intervention (79.3%-94.8%). Following the intervention, identification of headache, chills and rigor, body aches and pains as features of malaria in underfives improved from 21.6-42.7% to 70.6-84.4%. Conclusion: There is a strong need for sustained health education of mothers in the communities to improve their general knowledge about malaria and their home management of the disease.

Key Words: Health Education, Mothers, Malaria Management, Anambra.