Effect of Health Education on Malaria Control Practices among Mothers of Under-Five Children in a Rural Nigerian Community
Ilo Ijeoma J.
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Uchenwoke Chigozie I. *
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Madukaife Chinwe H.
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria. and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Umeh Anthony U.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Okolie Stella I.
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria. and Nursing Services Division, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Obasieke Patrick E.
Biochemistry Department, Lagos State University, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Ehiemere Ijeoma O.
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background/Purpose: Malaria is an established health challenge and a major cause of mortality and morbidity among under-five children in Nigeria. This community-based study was designed to assess the effect of health education packages on the malaria control practices of mothers of under-five children in Ibeagwa Nike Enugu State.
Methods: The study utilized a quasi-experimental study design with a sample size of 124 mothers that attended the infant welfare clinic at the community health center and those that received treatment of minor childhood illnesses for six months. A multistage random sampling technique was used in choosing the required samples. The instrument for the collection of data was a self-adapted and validated questionnaire. Reliability was assessed and yielded a Cronbach’s correlation coefficient of 0.823. Data generated were summarized using simple descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages and analyzed using Fishers’ exact test and Chi-square.
Results: Findings of the study showed that: the practice of malaria control practices was very low below 40% before health education intervention; malaria control practices increased significantly above 40% after the health education intervention; hindrances to the practice of malaria control measures reduced after the health education intervention; there is poor awareness of environmental hygiene as a method of malaria control measure before health education.
Conclusion: Periodic health education on the importance of malaria control practices should be conducted in the community regularly, to promote control of malaria.
Keywords: Malaria control practices, health education package, mothers of under-five, Nigeria