Abstract
This study investigates the basic factors responsible for human-mosquito interaction, attitudinal consequences of malaria treatment pattern and management strategies in an urban center. Questionnaires were issued to the volunteers whose age range between 15 and 40 years which constitute 44.5% males and 55.5% females. These include questions about knowledge of mosquito, prevention practices, treatment methods and illness management strategies. Focus group discussion was also used to interview the participants. Preventive measures adopted against mosquito bite include sleeping under net (treated and untreated) 17 (4.2%), door and window screening 37 (9.2%), cover cloth 55 (13.8%), mosquito repellant/insecticides spray 39 (9.8%), environmental hygiene 26 (6.5%), herbal decoction 26 (6.5%), and chemoprophylaxis 45 (11.3%). There was a significant difference between those that prevent malaria with chemoprophylaxis and other methods. Self treatment (medication) accounted for 267 (66.8%) as against hospital treatment 93 (23.3%). Most of the patients 55 (13.8%) demanded for injections as against 42 (10.5%) those who showed preference for oral medication. The hospitalized patients accounted for 40 (10.0%) while outpatients were 93 (23.3%). Late diagnosis, wrong medications, incomplete doses, lack of knowledge about malaria episode and anopheles mosquitoes as malaria vector are some of the factors militating against prevention and proper management of the illness. Keywords: Attitudes, malaria, prevention, treatment, management, urban.
Highlights
Malaria has been implicated globally as one of the main cause of human health and socioeconomic burden (Gilles, 1999)
In Nigeria, malaria is responsible for about 300,000 deaths every year and about 30% of this occurs in children mostly under the age of five years (Coker et al, 2001, WHO, 2003a)
Research findings have shown that environmental, behavioral and socio-economic factors are associated with ability to avoid mosquitoes and prevention of malaria attack (Macintyre et al, 2002)
Summary
Malaria has been implicated globally as one of the main cause of human health and socioeconomic burden (Gilles, 1999) It affects about 300 to 500 million people yearly all over the world. While the major victims are usually the poor, less privileged and economic downtrodden people who often have no access to clean environment, and most of times have no means of acquiring better mosquito-bite preventive measures and no access to modern treatment. Some of these conditions may greatly influence their knowledge and attitudes towards handling of malaria episode. The results obtained may be used by both the professional and community health educators as a baseline to intensify a community based programme activities with regards to the health needs related to the socio-economic status of the inhabitants
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