Vol. 6, Issue 5, Part A (2019)

Author(s): Emmanue l Nnamonu, Obiageli C Ejilibe, John I Ezeude, Martha U Okeke, Mercy O Nnamani, Bonaventure C Nnamani, Ogonna C Ani and Pamela A Ndukwe-Ani

Abstract: The present study was designed to evaluate predisposing factors, burden and management practices of malaria in an agrarian settlement, south east Nigeria. The study adopted a hospital-based cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Overgrown bushes around residence (286, 71.5%), much farming (400, 100.0%) and staying late night outdoors (400, 100.0%) were major factors that predispose the residents to malaria. Episodes of fever, headache, cough, catarrh and anorexia (169, 42.2%, 221 and 55.2%) were most frequent. There was moderate effect on productivity (258, 64.5%). Most participants (355 (88.8%) used drug alone, 29 (7.2%) combined drug with insecticide nets, 7 (1.8%) combined insecticide spray, nets and drugs while all respondents use local herbs (400, 100.0%). Poor health care delivery (318, 79.5%) was the major reason for dissatisfaction on hospital-based treatment. There is high malaria predisposition, high burden of malaria and poor health care delivery in our study area.