| dc.description.abstract | Malaria remains a major public health concern particularly in the tropical region of the world. The World Malaria Report, released in December 2021, showed a devastating toll of malaria, with about 627,000 people succumbing to the disease in 2020. in Africa reached 435,000 deaths, compared with 451,000 estimated deaths in 2016. In Kenya, health service delivery and access to health care remains a challenge for vulnerable populations, children below five years. A report by Kenya medical research institute (KEMRI) indicate that the overall malaria positivity rate using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was 27.9% and was 34.1% in children below five years. Siaya County in western Kenya showed higher malaria positivity rates for children (36.4% and 54.9%) using both PCR and microscopy diagnosis techniques respectively.
The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design, sampling 40 caregivers using random sampling technique. This study examined socio-demographic characteristics, availability of preventive services at SCRH and care seeking behaviors of caregivers and their impact on malaria prevention practices in Siaya County. Data was collected through structured questionnaire and analyzed using Microsoft excel spreadsheets version 2108 with findings presented in charts, tables and percentages.
The study found the predominance of female caregivers (70%) aligns with findings from other studies underscoring women’s central role of managing children’s health in Sub Saharan Africa. Education level significantly influenced health behavior with 50% of respondents having secondary education contributing to proper use of insecticide treated nets and timely treatment seeking. Despite 62.5% seeking care within 24 hrs. of symptom onset, 12.5% delayed care posing risk for severe malaria. Awareness of malaria symptoms was high, but 20% of caregivers lacked sufficient knowledge highlighting the need for ongoing education.
The study concluded that while malaria prevention knowledge and practices are generally positive, gaps remain in timely care and chemoprevention usage, calling for targeted interventions, improved healthcare access and strengthened community-based programs. The study recommended enhancement of community outreach programs to address these gaps and ensure more timely access to malaria prevention and treatment services. | en_US |
