MALARIA PROTECTIVE PRACTICES AMONG MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF FIVE YEARS IN NASARAWA STATE, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA.

Marcus, N.D.*, Ayuba D. and Dungurum, C.K.

Malaria remains to be the major cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and children under the age of five years in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to investigate protective practices for malaria among mothers with children under the age of five years in Nasarawa state. A multi-stage systematic random sampling technique was adopted and a pre tested structured questionnaire was administered to 1416 representative respondents from six local government areas. In addition, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted on similar issues to complement the quantitative data. Chi-square was used to test for statistical differences within categories of the independent variables and p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant, while knowledge of malaria prevention was scored on a 3-scale of Low (0-2 points), Medium (3-4 points) and High (5-6 points).The study findings showed that respondents knowledge score of malaria prevention was skewed towards medium (43.9%).The major form of protection for children from mosquito bites was the use of bed-nets(76.8%); with 58.8% of all respondents’ children under five years sleeping under bed-nets. The major reason for protection against mosquitoes was because they cause malaria (56.6%). Majority (82.4%) of the respondents reported ownership of at least a bed-net in the house with 88.1% in the urban and 76.7% rural reporting at least a bed-net in their household. Children (98.6%) more than adults (1.4%) often use bed-nets in their homes. Only 41.2% of all respondents’ children sleep under bed-nets. Less than half (45.1%) had mosquito proofs on their doors and windows with more urban (60%) than rural (24%) respondents had mosquito proofs on doors and windows. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that the envisaged reduction in malaria morbidity and mortality in children less than five years will depend on the successful implementation of malaria prevention strategies by involving women. It is therefore recommended that women must be given priority in the effective implementation of bed-nets because women are role models for their family members particularly for their children. Raising their awareness and involving them in malaria prevention and control could enhance the proper use of preventive strategies by their children as well as other family members.

Key words: Malaria, Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria, Protective practices.