1.1 Introduction
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). It is characterized by recurrent episodes of fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms and, if untreated, may lead to severe complications or death, especially among children under five years, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals (Okiro et al., 2019). Globally, malaria remains a significant public health concern, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the highest burden. Nigeria alone accounts for a substantial proportion of malaria cases and deaths worldwide, reflecting both environmental and socio-economic factors that favor the proliferation of the disease (Adebayo et al., 2020).
Malaria prevention and control strategies are interventions aimed at reducing the transmission and impact of the disease within communities. These strategies include the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), prompt diagnosis and effective treatment, environmental sanitation, and health education campaigns (Uzochukwu et al., 2015).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Malaria has been a major public health concern for centuries, with historical records indicating its presence in Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe long before the causative parasite and vector were scientifically identified. According to Cox (2010), malaria has been documented as far back as ancient Egypt, where descriptions of recurrent fevers suggest its prevalence. The disease continued to affect populations globally until the discovery of the Plasmodium parasite by Charles Laveran in 1880 and the subsequent identification of Anopheles mosquitoes as vectors by Ronald Ross in 1897 (Snow et al., 2017). In Nigeria, malaria has historically been endemic due to the country's climatic and environmental conditions, which favor mosquito breeding.
According to Okiro et al. (2019), malaria control efforts in Nigeria date back to the 1940s, with initial approaches focused on environmental management and the use of chemical insecticides to reduce mosquito populations. Following independence, the Nigerian government, in collaboration with international agencies, implemented several national malaria control programs aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality. These programs included mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women, and prompt diagnosis and treatment at health facilities (Uzochukwu et al., 2015).
Malaria continues to pose a major public health challenge in Nigeria, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality, particularly among children under five years and pregnant women. According to the World Health Organization (2022), Nigeria accounts for a substantial proportion of global malaria cases and deaths, making it the country with the highest malaria burden worldwide. It is reported that environmental factors, such as high rainfall and poor drainage systems, create ideal breeding grounds for Anopheles mosquitoes, thus facilitating malaria transmission (Okiro et al., 2019).
Various strategies have been developed to prevent and control malaria, including the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), prompt diagnosis and treatment with effective antimalarial drugs, environmental management, and community health education (Uzochukwu et al., 2015). Researchers have affirmed that the consistent and proper use of these interventions reduces malaria incidence and improves household health outcomes. However, despite these measures, malaria prevalence remains high in many Nigerian communities, indicating gaps in implementation, knowledge, and practice (Adebayo et al., 2020).
It is contended that socio-economic factors, such as poverty, limited access to healthcare services, and low literacy levels, significantly influence household compliance with malaria prevention measures (Adepoju et al., 2018). On the other hand, studies have asserted that sustained health education, community participation, and regular monitoring of interventions enhance the effectiveness of malaria control strategies. According to Uzochukwu et al. (2015), engaging households in malaria prevention programs ensures greater adherence to recommended practices, such as the consistent use of ITNs and early health-seeking behavior.
Furthermore, Primary Health Care (PHC) centers are central to the implementation of malaria control programs at the grassroots level. It is reported that PHC centers not only provide essential preventive services, such as ITN distribution and health education, but also offer diagnostic and treatment services that directly influence malaria outcomes in households (Okiro et al., 2019). Researchers have stated that understanding household knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malaria prevention is critical for designing interventions that are both effective and sustainable.
This study is set against the backdrop of assessing malaria prevention and control strategies among households in the Primary Health Care Center, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that malaria remains one of the leading public health challenges in Nigeria, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children under five years and pregnant women (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). The prevalence of malaria within communities served by primary health care centers in Gwagwalada, Abuja, indicates that households may not fully utilize available interventions effectively (Adebayo et al., 2020).
Furthermore, the economic implications of recurrent malaria infections are profound, as households face loss of income due to absenteeism from work or school and bear the direct costs of treatment (Adepoju et al., 2018). The failure to sustain effective malaria control measures may also hinder national efforts to achieve broader public health goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. The complex interplay between knowledge, behavior, and resource availability is central to understanding why malaria prevention remains a persistent challenge in the study area. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to assess malaria prevention and control strategies among households in the Primary Health Care Center, Gwagwalada, Abuja, with the aim of identifying gaps and proposing practical recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of interventions.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess malaria prevention and control strategies among households in the Primary Health Care Center, Gwagwalada, Abuja, with the goal of improving intervention effectiveness and reducing malaria incidence.
To achieve this aim, the study has the following objectives:
- To examine the level of knowledge households have regarding malaria transmission and prevention.
- To evaluate the utilization of malaria prevention measures, including ITNs and indoor residual spraying.
- To investigate household health-seeking behavior in relation to malaria treatment.
- To identify challenges and barriers affecting the adoption of malaria control strategies.
- To provide recommendations for improving malaria prevention and control at the household level.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the objectives stated, the research will seek to answer the following questions:
- What is the level of knowledge among households regarding malaria transmission and prevention?
- How are malaria prevention measures, such as ITNs and indoor residual spraying, utilized by households?
- What are the health-seeking behaviors of households when malaria infection occurs?
- What challenges and barriers hinder the adoption of malaria prevention and control strategies among households?
- What recommendations will improve the effectiveness of malaria prevention and control in households?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between household knowledge of malaria prevention and the utilization of malaria control strategies in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between household knowledge of malaria prevention and the utilization of malaria control strategies in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will help NGOs plan and implement targeted community interventions that will reduce malaria incidence. Also, the study will improve awareness of existing gaps in knowledge and practice, support policymakers and health officials in designing better interventions, and contribute to reducing malaria prevalence and its socio-economic impact in the community.
Furthermore, the study will empower households with practical information that will improve adherence to malaria prevention measures. In addition, the research will provide data that will guide primary health care (PHC) centers in implementing more effective malaria control strategies.
Lastly, the study will expand knowledge on malaria prevention and provide a basis for further research in public health.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of this research is focused on the assessment of malaria prevention and control strategies among households. The study is confined to the Primary Health Care Center, Gwagwalada, Abuja, and its surrounding households. It does not extend to private health facilities or other urban centers in Abuja.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
- Response Bias: The study will involve surveys and interviews with cooperative managers and members. Response bias may occur if respondents provide socially desirable answers or if there is reluctance to disclose negative financial information due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Definition of Terms
Malaria: A parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium species, transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, resulting in fever, chills, and anemia (World Health Organization, 2022).
Households: A group of individuals living together in a single dwelling and sharing resources, responsibilities, and health practices (Adebayo et al., 2020).
Prevention Strategies: Measures taken to reduce the risk of contracting malaria, including the use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, environmental sanitation, and health education (Uzochukwu et al., 2015).
Control Strategies: Interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence and impact of malaria in a population, including prompt diagnosis, effective treatment, and continuous monitoring of preventive measures (Okiro et al., 2019).
Primary Health Care Center (PHC): A community-based health facility that provides basic medical care, preventive services, and health education to households in its catchment area (Adepoju et al., 2018).
Knowledge: Awareness and understanding of malaria transmission, symptoms, prevention, and treatment among households (Adebayo et al., 2020).
Health-Seeking Behavior: Actions taken by individuals or households to prevent, diagnose, or treat malaria, including visits to health facilities or use of home remedies (Uzochukwu et al., 2015).
…
