Reserch

The prevalence of malaria in the study community appears to be high, 84% of households reported occurrence of fever during the study period.

Mothers define malaria as raised or high body temperature, 96.8% of the respondents indicated malaria illness as high body temperature.

All the malaria cases identified in the homes during the study were cross checked using a lab slide for malaria parasites with blood taken from patients in the study community, were taken to Mpigi health centre lab and 94.1% of the slides confirmed mothers perceptions of malaria

The study indicated that Mothers were highly responsible for all the decisions made at home in initial management of malaria, but several inappropriate practices were identified during the study; for example delay use of wrong drugs and doses, high dependence on traditional medicines, high level of self prescriptions and medication and sharing of drug doses among patients practices thus delaying to seek for treatment early from qualified health professionals at health facility.

Mothers’ lack knowledge about malaria signs and symptoms, antimalarial drugs and importance early health seeking behaviours and referral of patients usually takes place after two days.

Shopkeepers play a relevant role in the immediate actions taken by mothers, but lack knowledge about malaria drugs and appropriate doses.

Parents, Grandparents/Care takers and Traditional healers play a major role as source of knowledge and practices in initial management of malaria within households but lack proper knowledge in management of malaria and quality drugs within easy reach. Download file to read more.....