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Abstract:
Adequate caregivers' knowledge and practices about malaria is crucial in order to improve prevention by reducing exposure to the disease. Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among people. However, information concerning the accuracy of caregivers' knowledge and practices is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of caregivers regarding malaria prevention and control strategies at Engel District Hospital, Ohangwena Region. The objectives were to describe the knowledge of caregivers regarding malaria control and prevention and to determine the practices of caregivers regarding malaria control and prevention at the above mentioned hospital. The study used a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study at Engela District Hospital, Ohangwena Region. The population comprised of caregivers of children under 5 years visiting the primary health care clinic at Engela District Hospital. Simple random sampling was used to select 30 caregivers. Data related to the study was collected using interview-administered questionnaires. Microsoft Excel, 2016 was used to analyse data, and results were presented in tables and figure. Knowledge results show that malaria is transmitted through bite of any mosquito (50%) and using insecticide sprays and bed nets as the protective method against malaria (64%). Regarding the symptoms of malaria by caregivers, majority of them mentioned having fever with shivering 19(63%), caregivers mentioned dark places inside the house during the day and clean areas (60%) as resting places for mosquitoes. On practices of caregivers regarding malaria control and prevention, majority revealed use of bed nets, traditional herbs and mosquito repellents (90%). Similarly, (90%) were going to the hospital if they suspect that the child has malaria. This study posited that there was average knowledge and good practices of caregivers regarding malaria prevention and control strategies. The study recommended increasing the knowledge about malaria control and benefits of using available effective preventive and control measures by the individual caregivers and the community could contribute much to the overall reduction of the malaria burden.'
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