Knowledge and Management Practices Against Malaria in Isulo Community, Orumba South L.G.A Anambra State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/nnpbs.v2i4.706Keywords:
Malaria, Knowledge, Management, Practices, Isulo-CommunityAbstract
A study to determine the knowledge of, and management practices against malaria among the people of Isulo community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, was carried out between April and June 2014. Structured questionnaires were issued to 500 individuals in the community. Personal data including age, sex, educational status, marital status and occupation were collected with the questionnaire. Educational attainment of the participants were Primary education 100(20.0%), Secondary education 60(12.0%), tertiary education 45(9.0%), and non-formal education 250(50.0%). All the respondents, 500(100%), were aware of the malaria disease. All the respondents, 500(100%) mentioned body weakness, headache and fever as the common symptoms of malaria. 480(96.0%) respondents attributed malaria to mosquito bites, 290(58.0%) attributed it to consumption of too much of oil, 320(64.0%) attributed it to drinking dirty water. On protective measures against mosquito bites, 500(100%) reported putting of nets on the windows and doors and 485(97.0%) believed on spraying insecticide inside houses and sleeping under insecticide-treated nets could prevent mosquito bites. Most of the respondents 490(98.0%) believed that malaria needs to be treated while 10(2.0%) said that it was a disease that heals on its own without treatment. Malaria treatment methods of the people included visit to health centres or hospital 410(82.0%), buying drugs from chemist shops 195(39.5%), visiting prayer and healing homes 170(34.0%), use of herbs 415(83.0%), avoidance of oily foods 325(69.0%), self-medication 165(33.0%) and no treatment 30(6.0%). There is need to empower them with information about the causes of malaria and proper management practices.
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