KNOWLEDGE OF THE CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF MALARIA AMONGST MOTHERS IN FAITH MEDIPLEX

Abstract

This study explored maternal knowledge and practices regarding malaria prevention within the context of Faith Mediplex, employing a quantitative survey research design. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from a sample of 120 respondents, selected through purposive sampling. The data collected were subsequently analyzed using SPSS27, with statistical techniques such as t-tests utilized to test the hypotheses formulated. The findings of the study revealed a high level of knowledge among mothers in Faith Mediplex regarding the causes and preventive measures of malaria. However, certain socio-demographic factors, including educational level and access to healthcare services, were found to influence maternal knowledge and practices. Additionally, the study identified knowledge gaps among specific subgroups within the community, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities. In conclusion, the study emphasized the importance of comprehensive health education initiatives and targeted outreach programs in promoting malaria prevention among mothers in faith-based healthcare settings. Recommendations included strengthening health education efforts, enhancing access to healthcare services, and fostering collaboration with religious leaders to promote community engagement. These findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on malaria prevention and inform the development of evidence-based interventions tailored to the unique needs of communities like Faith Mediplex.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare resources. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest burden of malaria cases and deaths, with pregnant women and children under five being the most vulnerable groups (Oladimeji et al., 2019). The socio-economic factors coupled with environmental conditions create an environment conducive to the breeding of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, exacerbating the prevalence of the disease in these areas (Mbohou et al., 2019). Despite significant progress in malaria control efforts over the years, the disease continues to exert a heavy toll on communities, particularly those with inadequate access to healthcare services and preventive measures.

Efforts to control malaria have been hindered by deficiencies in preventive measures and knowledge about the causes of the disease in many communities (Nchetnkou et al., 2020). Despite considerable investments in mosquito control programs and the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, gaps in knowledge persist regarding the transmission dynamics and preventive strategies for malaria (Kwofie et al., 2020). This lack of awareness among community members, including mothers, poses a significant challenge to the effective implementation of malaria control programs and hampers progress towards reducing the burden of the disease.

In settings like Faith Mediplex, where healthcare interventions are integrated with faith-based practices, understanding the level of knowledge among mothers regarding malaria causes and prevention is crucial for effective public health strategies (Tawiah et al., 2018). The integration of healthcare services with religious beliefs offers a unique opportunity to reach and engage with communities, including vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children under five (Febir et al., 2020). However, without adequate knowledge and understanding of malaria prevention measures, these interventions may not achieve their intended impact.

Maternal knowledge of malaria causes and prevention is essential for implementing effective preventive measures and reducing the burden of the disease in communities (Thandar et al., 2021). Studies have shown that improving maternal awareness and understanding of malaria transmission dynamics can lead to increased uptake of preventive measures such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and adherence to antimalarial medication regimens (Humphries et al., 2023). Therefore, assessing the level of knowledge among mothers in Faith Mediplex regarding malaria causes and prevention is critical for designing targeted health education programs and interventions.

Research conducted in similar settings has highlighted the importance of addressing knowledge gaps among mothers to enhance malaria control efforts (Attu & Adjei, 2018). Studies have shown that maternal knowledge of malaria influences health-seeking behaviors, treatment adherence, and the use of preventive measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying (Tawiah et al., 2018). By identifying areas of deficiency in maternal knowledge and understanding of malaria causes and prevention, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to address specific needs and improve community health outcomes.

1.2 Statement of Problem

In the context of Faith Mediplex and similar settings, the persistent gaps in maternal knowledge concerning the causes and prevention of malaria present critical challenges that have yet to be fully addressed by existing research. While previous studies have provided valuable insights into various aspects of malaria prevention and control, there remain specific areas where further investigation is needed.

Firstly, research has underscored the pivotal role of maternal knowledge in shaping preventive behaviors and healthcare-seeking practices related to malaria (Oladimeji et al., 2019). However, there is a notable lack of in-depth exploration into the level of malaria-related knowledge among mothers within faith-based healthcare environments like Faith Mediplex. Understanding the unique challenges and influences on maternal knowledge within this context is essential for designing tailored interventions to enhance malaria prevention practices.

Moreover, while some studies have evaluated the effectiveness of health education programs in increasing malaria awareness within communities, there is a dearth of comprehensive research assessing the long-term impact and sustainability of such interventions within faith-based healthcare settings (Mbohou et al., 2019). Examining the enduring effects and scalability of these programs within the framework of Faith Mediplex is crucial for informing policy decisions and resource allocation.

Additionally, there is a pressing need to explore the intersection of socio-cultural factors and religious beliefs in shaping maternal attitudes and behaviors towards malaria prevention (Nchetnkou et al., 2020). Understanding how cultural norms and religious practices influence healthcare-seeking behaviors can provide valuable insights into the barriers to preventive measures and inform the development of culturally sensitive interventions.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives of this study were as follows:

1. To assess the level of knowledge among mothers in Faith Mediplex regarding the causes of malaria.

2. To evaluate maternal understanding of preventive measures against malaria in Faith Mediplex.

3. To identify factors associated with gaps in knowledge about malaria causes and prevention among mothers in Faith Mediplex.

1.4 Research Questions

To achieve the objectives outlined above, the following research questions guided the study:

1. What is the level of knowledge among mothers in Faith Mediplex regarding the causes of malaria?

2. How do mothers in Faith Mediplex perceive preventive measures against malaria?

3. What factors are associated with gaps in knowledge about malaria causes and prevention among mothers in Faith Mediplex?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Based on the research questions, the following hypotheses were formulated:

1. There is no significant association between educational level and knowledge of malaria causes among mothers in Faith Mediplex.

2. Maternal age is not positively correlated with awareness of preventive measures against malaria in Faith Mediplex.

3. Access to healthcare services does not influences maternal knowledge about malaria causes and prevention in Faith Mediplex.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides insights into the level of knowledge among mothers in Faith Mediplex regarding malaria causes and prevention, which can inform targeted health education programs. Secondly, by identifying factors associated with knowledge gaps, the study can guide the development of interventions to improve malaria prevention practices in the community. Thirdly, the findings contribute to the existing literature on malaria control in faith-based healthcare settings, adding to the body of knowledge on effective public health strategies in such contexts.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focused on mothers attending Faith Mediplex, a healthcare facility that integrates faith-based practices with medical services. The research was conducted within a specified timeframe, targeting mothers of varying ages and educational backgrounds. Data collection was limited to assessing maternal knowledge of malaria causes and prevention and did not extend to evaluating treatment-seeking behaviors or healthcare utilization patterns.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

To ensure clarity and consistency, the following terms are operationally defined within the context of this study:

Malaria: A parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, and flu-like illness.

Mothers: Women who have given birth to one or more children, regardless of marital status or age of their offspring.

Knowledge: Understanding or awareness of information related to the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of malaria.

Prevention: Strategies or actions aimed at reducing the risk of contracting malaria, including the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and antimalarial medications.

Faith Mediplex: A healthcare facility that combines medical services with religious or spiritual practices, catering to a predominantly religious community.

Educational Level: The highest level of formal education completed by an individual, categorized into groups such as primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

Healthcare Services: Medical interventions and support provided by healthcare professionals, including diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures.

Community: The population of individuals residing in the vicinity of Faith Mediplex, sharing common social, cultural, and economic characteristics.