Журнал тропических болезней и общественного здравоохранения

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Social Determinants of Malaria Treatment Seeking Time by Mothers for Children (0-5 Years) in South Eastern Nigeria

Chukwuocha UM, Okpanma AC, Chukwuocha AN and Nwakwuo GC

This study aimed at investigating the influence of social characteristics of mothers on time taken to seek treatment for their children suspected of having malaria in four rural communities in south-eastern Nigeria. Data were from 738 consenting mothers within the child bearing age (15-49 years) using structured pre-tested questionnaires. Results showed that (22%) sought treatment within 24 hours for their children (0-5years). More than half (51.5%) of those who sought treatment for their children after 24 hours, did so (delayed) because they had to watch their children for some days, while 21.4% were due to financial difficulties. The age, parity, marital status/type of marriage and educational attainment of the mothers including family social-economic status were found to be statistically related to delay in seeking prompt and appropriate malaria treatment. Wrong first line treatment choices by the respondents also contributed to their delay. Suggestions were made based on these findings on how to eliminate delay in seeking and commencing early and appropriate treatment for childhood (0-5 years) malaria..