Health- Seeking Behaviour among Caregivers in Treatment of Childhood Malaria in Imo State, Nigeria
O. G. Udujih
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
H. I. Udujih *
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
C. N. Ukaga
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
C. C. Iwuala
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The health seeking behavior in the treatment of childhood malaria was assessed to investigate influence of educational level and occupation of caregivers on choice of health services.
Methodology: Between September, 2005 and January, 2008 in two Local Government Areas of Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 6259 respondents were interviewed through household survey of caregivers domiciled in the communities in the study area.
Results: Result showed the major malaria management practices in the study area to include; use of herbs from local healers, buying of over the counter anti-malarials from pharmacies and attendance to hospitals/clinics. The result also revealed that majority (35.4%) of respondents went to pharmacies for the treatment of their children while 27.1% of respondents were self-medicating. Some (9.8%) of the caregivers used herbs, while 3.7% visited both herbalists and hospitals. The malaria management practices differed significantly (P<.05) among occupational groups and educational levels.
Conclusion: There should therefore be intensive and sustained public health education aimed at improving attitudes of care givers towards the use of health facilities for timely treatment of childhood malaria.
Keywords: Childhood malaria, health seeking behavior, care givers.