ID-5184 Wonca Abstracts supplement A-K 13-10-23 - Flipbook - Page 22
WONCA 2023 Supplement 1: WONCA 2023 abstracts (A–K)
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Determinants of malaria prevention awareness and
adoption among caregivers of under-fives in a
low-resource setting
Dr Lukman Adefuye1,2, Dr Adekunle Ariba1, Oluseun Adeko1
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Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu Ogun State, 2State Hospital Sokenu Ijaye
Abeokuta
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Introduction
Malaria remains a major public health burden in Africa, with Nigeria carrying a significant portion of the
burden. It is a significant cause of fatality among those aged under five years. Central to the integrated
approach to malaria eradication are preventive measures. High-level awareness and adoption of these
preventive measures are cheap and effective ways towards malaria eradication in a low-resource
setting. Being able to identify the factors that will improve malaria prevention awareness and adoption
among the general populace is a big concern to primary care physicians in sub-Saharan Africa, whose
role in malaria eradication cannot be over emphasised.
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This study aimed to identify the factors that determine the level of malaria prevention awareness and its
adoption.
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Method
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the paediatrics outpatient unit of the State
Hospital Abeokuta between April and July 2017. Participants were caregivers of children aged
between one month and five years selected by systematic random sampling. Data obtained included
the sociodemographic details, awareness of malaria fever, its prevention and adoption.
Results
There were 348 participants. Levels of malaria awareness and its prevention methods were high:
305 (87.6%) and 293 (85.4%), respectively. Fifty (14.6%) participants were not aware of any prevention
method, while the commonest method mentioned was insecticide-treated nets. One hundred and
forty-two (41.4%) participants did not adopt any malaria preventive measures.
The occupation and education status of the caregivers had significant associations with the level
of awareness of malaria preventive measures, while the child’s age and caregiver’s occupation had
significant associations with the level of adoption of these preventive measures.
Conclusion
Malaria eradication may not be achievable if the level of preventive method awareness and its adoption
is low among the general population, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
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