The Impact of Health Seeking Behaviour, Educational Attainment and Financial Strength on Home Management of Malaria in Rural Communities in Imo State, Nigeria

Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2014, Vol 4, Issue 15

Abstract

Aims: The objectives were to determine the impact of health seeking behaviour, educational attainment and financial Strength on home management of malaria in rural communities in Imo State, Nigeria. Study Design: A descriptive survey design was used. Place and Duration of Study: Imo State, Nigeria, between February 2013 and April 2013 Methodology: The sample size was 2674 adults (1650 males, 1024 females, age range 20-70 years). A structured, validated and reliable questionnaire (r=0.81) was used to collect data from 2674 consenting respondents. Results: The result showed that the health seeking behaviours of respondents when they suspect malaria was as follows; 25.7 percent patronized patent medicine stores/chemist, 22.3 percent visited health centers/ hospitals,18.6 percent consulted family members/friends/ neighbor for help. This statistically had a significant influence on the pattern adopted in managing malaria at home (Chi-square = 263.98, P -value < 0.001). Furthermore, 25.4 percent of those who visited the health centers/hospitals used more of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy in managing malaria. Those who patronized patent medicine/chemist used more of chloroquine/quinine (25.7 percent), only 18.1 percent used a special herb, dogonyaro/Akum shut up leaf (Azadirachta Indica) in managing malaria at home. Those who visited herbalists (20.5%) also used chloroquine/quinine while those that visited prayer houses also used more of chloroquine/quinine (22.3%) and less of ACT (15.5%). The impact of educational attainment on pattern of home management of malaria was statistically significant (Chi-square=155.47,P-value<0.001). Those who had no formal education used more of Chloroquine/Quinine in managing malaria at home while those who attained secondary and tertiary education adopted more of Artemisinin-based combination Therapy (ACT) in managing malaria. Herbal treatment (Dogonyaro/Akum shut up leaf (Azadirachta Indica), seven leaves and application of local ointment/lotion) were less used by respondents with higher educational attainment. Financial strength was also found to be statistically associated with the pattern of management adopted by the rural dwellers (Chi-square=118.46, P-value<0.001). Those whose average monthly income was above 30,000 Naira used more of conventional medication and less of herbs. Conclusion: The findings showed that the rural communities need more enlightenment and education on home management of malaria.

Authors and Affiliations

E. A. Nwoke, S. N. O. Ibe, U. M. Chukwuocha, B. O. Nworuh, C. I. C. Ebirim

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP349339
  • DOI 10.9734/BJMMR/2014/8604
  • Views 60
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

E. A. Nwoke, S. N. O. Ibe, U. M. Chukwuocha, B. O. Nworuh, C. I. C. Ebirim (2014). The Impact of Health Seeking Behaviour, Educational Attainment and Financial Strength on Home Management of Malaria in Rural Communities in Imo State, Nigeria. Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 4(15), 2884-2895. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-349339