Perception and Treatment Practices of malaria among tertiary institution students in Oyo and Osun States, Nigeria

Abstract

The knowledge, prevention and practices on malaria treatment measures were assessed among 643 tertiary students in Osun and Oyo States in Nigeria. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaires. The study observed that the respondents are aware of the common symptoms of malaria as 26.4% recognised fever as the most noticeable sign of malaria. On the other hand, the knowledge of the severe symptoms of malaria was poor as only 13.1%, 13.5% and 7.9% were aware that convulsion, coma and anaemia respectively were severe symptoms of malaria. Surprisingly very few (14.6%) believed that dirty environment could cause malaria. The knowledge (23.4%) and the use (22.1%) of insecticide treated bed net was low in the studied population. More respondents used Coartem (20.1%; p= 0.002) for malaria treatment than any other drug and most of them will take prescription (67.5%) from a medical personnel. Also, most of the respondents (60.8%) will not go for malaria diagnostic test before taking malaria drug and the difference was highly significant (p=0.001). It is therefore suggested that more efforts should be invested in enlightening the populace on practises that will influence their behavioural pattern in a way that will lead to effective malaria control.

Keywords: Malaria, prevention, practices, symptoms