The Impact of Health Seeking Behaviour, Educational Attainment and Financial Strength on Home Management of Malaria in Rural Communities in Imo State, Nigeria

Aims: The objectives were to determine the impact of health seeking behaviour, educational attainment and financial Strength on home management of malaria in rural communities in Imo State, Nigeria.
Study Design: A descriptive survey design was used.
Place and Duration of Study: Imo State, Nigeria, between February 2013 and April 2013 Methodology: The sample size was 2674 adults (1650 males, 1024 females, age range 20-70 years). A structured, validated and reliable questionnaire (r=0.81) was used to collect data from 2674 consenting respondents.
Results: The result showed that the health seeking behaviours of respondents when they suspect malaria was as follows; 25.7 percent patronized patent medicine stores/chemist, 22.3 percent visited health centers/ hospitals,18.6 percent consulted family members/friends/ neighbor for help. This statistically had a significant influence on the pattern adopted in managing malaria at home (Chi-square = 263.98, P -value < 0.001). Furthermore, 25.4 percent of those who visited the health centers/hospitals used more of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy in managing malaria. Those who patronized patent medicine/chemist used more of chloroquine/quinine (25.7 percent), only 18.1 percent used a special herb, dogonyaro/Akum shut up leaf (Azadirachta Indica) in managing malaria at home. Those who visited herbalists (20.5%) also used chloroquine/quinine while those that visited prayer houses also used more of chloroquine/quinine (22.3%) and less of ACT (15.5%). The impact of educational attainment on pattern of home management of malaria was statistically significant (Chi-square=155.47,P-value<0.001). Those who had no formal education used more of Chloroquine/Quinine in managing malaria at home while those who attained secondary and tertiary education adopted more of Artemisinin-based combination Therapy (ACT) in managing malaria. Herbal treatment (Dogonyaro/Akum shut up leaf (Azadirachta Indica), seven leaves and application of local ointment/lotion) were less used by respondents with higher educational attainment. Financial strength was also found to be statistically associated with the pattern of management adopted by the rural dwellers (Chi-square=118.46, P-value<0.001). Those whose average monthly income was above 30,000 Naira used more of conventional medication and less of herbs.
Conclusion: The findings showed that the rural communities need more enlightenment and education on home management of malaria.