Preventive Strategies for Malaria in Under-Five Children of Poor Resource Communities of Ndola, Zambia
Journal Title: Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences - Year 2017, Vol 4, Issue 3
Abstract
Background :Malaria in under-five children is a major public health problem throughout the tropical and subtropical region of the world. Fifty percent or more people who die in Zambia are children under-five years. Though Zambia has made strides in malaria prevention and control in the last five years, malaria kills more children under the age of five than any other illness. The aim of the study was to determine preventive strategies in association with malaria in under-five children of poor resourced communities of Ndola evaluating the effectiveness of the Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), the use of indoor spraying and evaluating the behaviours in terms of malaria prevention. Methodology: This was a descriptive survey method was conducted in which a questionnaire was administered to mothers of under-five children. The study was conducted at Chipulukusu Clinic Ndola Zambia. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. Quantitative data was entered into the computer for analysis using Microsoft excel and SPSS vs20. Result the study enrolled a total of 361 under-five children out of which 138 (38.23%) of the children RDT (detecting Plasmodium falciparum) results where positive and that 223 (61.77%) of them were negative. The study established that 225 (62.33%) of the children were using mosquito nets as compared to 136 (38.23) % that were not using them. The majority of the mothers with a percentage representation of (271) 75% were using mosquito nets and only 90 (25%) were not. Spraying was done and 21% of the respondents had their houses sprayed in less than 3months, 17% between 6-8months, 9% between 12-15 months together with 3-5 months, 4% between 9-11 months and the least being 2% more than 16 months ago. Association between RDT positive results and the use of mosquitoes nets was significant with a p value of 0.025. Conclusion : It was established that the use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and exposure to indoor residual spraying (IRS) are not adequate enough to zero mosquito bites to the children. It was also noted that mother’s behaviors to prevent the risk of mosquito bites was poor.
Authors and Affiliations
Stephen Nyirenda
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP525503
- DOI 10.21276/apjhs.2017.4.3.19
- Views 132
- Downloads 0
Primary bilateral leiomyosarcoma of kidneys with metastases at unusual sites- a rare case report
Primary Leiomyosarcoma of kidney is rare entity, constituting 0.5-1 % of all invasive renal tumors and bilateral Leiomyosarcoma makes it extremely rare. One such case diagnosed by Ultrasound Sonography Guided Fine Needle...
Examination of the relationship between physical activity levels and healthy lifestyle behaviors of university students
Objectives: This study was conducted to determine and correlate physical activity levels and healthy lifestyle behaviors of university students. Materials and Methods: The sample of the research consisted of 155 students...
Sebaceous lymphadenoma of the parotid gland-a case report of infrequently encountered tumor
Sebaceous lymphadenoma is a rare benign salivary gland tumor of uncertain histogenesis. In this present case report, a 41 year old female presented with swelling of left tail of parotid gland since 3 months. Fine needle...
Awareness on the availability of legal safe abortions among female adolescents attending secondary school in Ndola district, Zambia
Background:Illegal unsafe induced abortion is a public health problem in Zambia. Statistics reveal an extremely high induced abortion mortality ratio of 120 induced abortion-related deaths per 100 000 live births and mor...
Assessing the relationship between HIV infection and cervical cancer at Ndola Central Hospital from 2013 to 2014
Background: Cervical cancer is the second highest cause of cancer related death worldwide, the highest in Africa and also the most frequent cancer in Zambian women. The incidence is high in human immunodeficiency virus p...