Knowledge and Utilization of Malaria Preventive Measures among Caregivers of Under-Five Children in Isiala Mbano LGA, Imo State.

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@article{1708321,
      author = {Enwerem Augustina Chidi, Sally Nkechinyere Onyeka Ibe, Collins Chibueze Anokwuru, Ajoku, Bright Chibunna},
      title = {Knowledge and Utilization of Malaria Preventive Measures among Caregivers of Under-Five Children in Isiala Mbano LGA, Imo State.},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {8},
      number = {11},
      pages = {406-415},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708321.pdf},
      abstract = {Background: Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five in sub-Saharan Africa, despite the availability of proven preventive interventions. Understanding the knowledge and utilization of malaria preventive measures among caregivers is essential for effective malaria control at the community level. This study assessed the knowledge and utilization of malaria preventive measures among caregivers of under-five children in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area (LGA), Imo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire among 403 caregivers selected through multistage sampling from 12 health facilities. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics computed to assess knowledge and preventive practices.
Results: All respondents (100%) were aware of malaria and reported mosquito bites as the cause. However, only 38.2% correctly identified the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito as the mode of transmission, while 57.3% attributed transmission to bites from any mosquito. The majority (98.3%) identified Plasmodium as the causative agent. The most recognized symptom was fever with headache (77.2%). Utilization of preventive practices was high, with 63.2% using insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), 25.1% employing insecticide sprays, and 10.4% engaging in environmental sanitation. Despite high awareness, consistent net usage was suboptimal, with only 59.8% reporting daily use for their children.
Conclusion: While general awareness of malaria is high among caregivers in Isiala Mbano, specific knowledge on transmission and consistent use of preventive measures remain inadequate. Health education campaigns focusing on correct malaria transmission knowledge and promoting sustained use of integrated prevention strategies are recommended to reduce the burden of malaria among under-five children in rural communities.},
      keywords = {Malaria, Caregivers, Under-Five Children, Preventive Practices, Knowledge, Isiala Mbano, Nigeria},
      month = {May},
  }