Knowledge, Perception and Control Practices of Malaria Vector among Caregivers of Under-five Children in Selected Rural Communities in Ibadan, Nigeria

Malaria remains one of the most devastating public health scourges especially in the tropics. Several studies have documented the prevalence of malaria among different vulnerable groups; however, an understanding of the communities’ knowledge, perceptions and practices relating to malaria is crucial to the success of specific control measures. The study therefore assessed the knowledge, perception and control practices of malaria vector among caregivers of under-five children in selected rural communities in Ibadan. A four-stage random sampling technique was used to select 510 respondents from six communities, three each from Akinyele and Lagelu Local Government Areas (LGAs). A pre-tested interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of malaria, and level of education. A 20-point Likert scale was used to assess knowledge with 1-10 and 11-20 rated as poor and good knowledge respectively. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and chi square at 5% level of significance. The mean age of respondents and their under-five children were 31.6±10.1 years and 25.2±16.9 months respectively. Only 2% of the respondents had tertiary education, 74.1% had primary/secondary, while 22.6% had no formal education. The proportion of respondents with good knowledge of malaria was significantly higher in Lagelu than in Akinyele (p=0.00). A high proportion of respondents in Akinyele (81.2%) and Lagelu (66.7%) knew that malaria was transmitted by mosquitoes. Sanitary conditions identified by respondents to contribute to the spread of malaria in the two LGAs include stagnant water and overgrown bushes. More respondents in Lagelu than Akinyele knew that children under five and pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria. Means of prevention against malaria in Lagelu and Akinyele LGAs include use of insecticides (41.1%, 32.2%); ITNs (5.3%, 45.1%); untreated bednets (9.3%, 0.8%); and mosquito coils (78.9%, 43.9%). The other methods used by respondents were burning of orange and cassava peels; physical killing; window screening; door screening and sanitation. Although knowledge on malaria control appeared to be high, there was still room to improve on the control practices. Hence, health education and community outreach demonstration schemes are advocated. Keyword: Malaria prevalence, Sanitary conditions, knowledge of Malaria, vector control, under-five children, rural communitie