Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Malaria Diagnosis and Treatment Among Alternative Healthcare Providers in Enugu North Local Government Area, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria is one of the most serious global health problems and it is a major cause of suffering, death, and many socioeconomic problems. Malaria has proven to be the most fatal parasitic disease known to man.  Malaria causes over 207 million clinical cases and approximately 627,000 deaths worldwide yearly which takes a toll on the society and economy globally, hence the necessity for this study. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of malaria diagnosis, treatment, as well as the enabling and constraining factors, among alternative health-care providers in Enugu North Local Government Area, (LGA), Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 randomly selected alternative health-care providers in Enugu North LGA. Data was collected using self-administered, pre-tested, structured questionnaire and was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results:  A total of 100 respondents participated in this study. Majority of the respondents (52%) preferred using Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for malaria diagnosis, though a significant portion (30%) did not conduct any tests. The majority adhered to recommended ACT protocols, with paracetamol being a common adjunct (30.1%). Major constraints included inconsistent government supply and failure of patients to comply with the use of ACTs, both significantly linked to socio-demographic factors. Enabling factors such as the good availability of ACTs and positive treatment responses were widely acknowledged, suggesting overall positive practices and attitudes towards malaria management. Conclusion: This study highlighted that despite good knowledge and preference for Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), gaps in awareness and implementation of national treatment protocols persist, thus the need to enhance training and education, strengthenen diagnostic facilities as well as addressing enabling and constraining factors.