Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Malaria Prevention Among Mothers of Under-Five Children in Yar-Akija Community, Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria is an infectious disease and a serious health issue that needs urgent attention especially in children less than 5 years. It is also a public-health problem and the principal cause of childhood mortality. Despite the global efforts that have been put in place to curtail its menace, Malaria remains endemic, with about 97% of the Nigerian population being at risk. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of malaria prevention among mothers of under-five children in Yar’Akija area, Sokoto. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among 145 mothers of under-five children in Yar’Akija area, Sokoto. Respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected via a validated interviewer administered questionnaires using Open Data Kit (ODK) and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25 software. Results: The ages of respondents ranged between 20 and 44 years with the mean of 30.8  … years. More than half of the respondents (50.3%) were within the age range of 30-39 years. They were predominantly Hausas (93.8%). The majority of respondents 126(87%) had good knowledge of malaria prevention and good attitude 124(85.5%) towards malaria prevention. About two-third of respondents 97(66.7%) often or always clear the bushes in their surroundings. The majority 134(92.2%) used long sleeve clothing and about ninety percent (87.6%) used insecticide treated bed nets always or often as methods of preventing malaria. Conclusion and Recommendation: The mothers of under-five children in Yar’Akija community had good knowledge, good attitude and good practice regarding malarial prevention. It is recommended that, Sokoto State Ministry of Health should continue to carry out awareness and sensitization campaigns in order to maintain the good attitude and practice of the mothers of under-five children in Yar’Akija community towards malaria prevention.