The Role of Faith-based Organisations in Childhood Malaria Management among Mothers of Under-five Children in Osogbo, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria remains a major health challenge in Nigeria despite efforts at reducing its prevalence. Previous studies on malaria focused mainly on the biomedical aspects. However, little is known about the role of faith-based organisations in malaria management. Health Belief Model (HBM) provided the framework explaining mothers understanding of malaria illness, while exploratory and descriptive designs were utilized. The study was conducted among selected mothers of under-five children in Osogbo using the qualitative method comprising twelve focus group discussions (FGDs); six among mothers 15-35years (three each among literates and non-literates); six among mothers 35years and above (three each among literates and non-literates mothers). Qualitative data were content analysed. Malaria treatment behaviour of the mothers was a complex process, assisted by faith-based organisations through the provision of insecticides treated net (ITNs), awareness campaigns, routine immunization of pregnant mothers, and more. However, hording militated against the effective use of ITNs by mothers in malaria management. This finding corroborates common understanding that faith-based organisations play important role in malaria management by actually providing biomedically accepted resources which led to the reduction of mosquito spread, hence increases the chances of the survival of both children and mothers. Therefore, increased collaboration between government and faith-based organisations is needed to improve malaria management facilities and avail mothers with appropriate education on malaria management strategies to reduce complications from malaria.