Community perception about the transmission and utilization of treated bed net in the control of malaria in Oyo state, Nigeria

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria control is a major challenge in many endemic countries including Nigeria;implementation of evidenced-based control strategies is therefore needful in thesustainability of malaria control programme.
Method: Across-section study was designed to access perception two communities of Oyo state using pre-tested structured questionnaire.
Result: Ninety six percent of respondents reported to have heard of malaria, though majority reported mosquito as major transmitter of the infection but only 22.6% has adequate knowledge of the correct transmission route. Misconception about the causative agent of malaria is high, only 13.2% mentioned Plasmodium species as the causative agent. The knowledge about the ecology of mosquito was greatly applauded in the study area. Health-seeking behaviors and possession of insecticidal treated bet net were found to be associated with socio-economic status of individual.
Conclusion: In spite of the high knowledge about malaria demonstrated in this study, some misconceptions about transmission and symptom still exist.The need to improve the spreading of information about malaria through rural dispensaries andprimary health centers is essential for resounding success to be recorded.

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