Care-Seeking Behaviour and Treatment Practice for Malaria in Children Under 5 Years: A Cross Sectional Study in Idu Community, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is one of the major causes of death for children who are under 5 years of age. African children are most affected because of the prevalence of the disease in the Continent. This study aimed at assessing care-seeking behaviour and treatment practice for malaria in children under 5 years of age. A cross sectional study was conducted by administering a self completed questionnaire to caregivers in Idu community, Abuja. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Findings revealed that all the study participants had encountered malaria in their children under 5 years, majority of the participants (55%) sought treatment from pharmacy or clinic when their under 5 years old child had malaria. More than a quarter of the study participants sought treatment within 24 hours following malaria infection in their children. For those that delayed in seeking treatment, majority of them indicated lack of finance as a reason for delay. Government therefore need to put policy in place to ensure that children under 5 years of age have unhindered access to malaria treatment so as to prevent loss of lives.

Keywords: Malaria, Children, Nigeria, Under 5 years, caregivers

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-12-04

Publication date:June 30^th 2021