Description
Citation: Charlotte WA, et al. (2023) Perceptions of Care givers of Uncomplicated Malaria and their Health care Seeking Behavior for children below 5-years in Cameroon. J Integrated Health, 2(4): 147-161.
DOI: doi.org/10.51219/JIH/ayima-charlotte/21
Introduction – Objectives: Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality especially among children below 5-years.This study was conducted to bring out the knowledge and healthcare seeking behavior of caregivers on malaria in order to determine the knowledge and health seeking gaps for tailored health education and informed policy on childhood malaria management towards elimination.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured likert scale questionnaires to assess perceptions and healthcare seeking behavior among caregivers. The study site included fifteen (15) health facilities in malaria endemic zones in Cameroon. The study population included care givers of children 5-years and below. The participants were 1031 caregivers randomly selected who consented to take part in the study. Data analysis were done using SPSS 26 and results recorded. Knowledge scores were compared with the overall means scores to ascertain knowledge gabs and the healthcare seeking behavior recorded following child symptoms of malaria.
Results and Discussions: Majority of the caregivers (90.7%) demonstrated above average knowledge of malaria transmission, signs/symptoms and prevention strategies. Being an older caregiver(X2 = 13.504, P = 0.019), having a child between 1-3-years (X2 = 7.885, P = 0.019), dwelling in an urban setting(X2 = 20.359, P = 0.001), having a tertiary level of education(X2 = 64.763, P = 0.001),being employed(X2 = 15.995, P = 0.001) and being a biological parent(X2 = 6.077, P = 0.048) were significantly associated with correct knowledge on malaria.. A total of 52.2% of the caregivers take their children directly to the health facility when they show signs and symptoms of malaria, total 32.1% purchase medications from local drug vendors, others do home treatment before taking their children to the hospital, while others use herbs or visit a tradi-practitioner (15.7%) which may pose a threat on the health of their children.
Conclusions: The study demonstrated the availability of substantial knowledge of malaria, among caregivers of children below 5-years. Despite heightened knowledge on malaria some caregivers still seek care from unconventional sources which poses risk for uncomplicated malaria if not treated on time. More health education on the different preventive methods and healthcare seeking behavior among caregivers is still needed to help reduce the incidence of malaria, prevent complicated malaria and subsequent elimination among children in malaria endemic zones.
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