Malaria knowledge and preventive practices among caregivers of under-five children in Southwest Nigeria

The knowledge and practice of malaria prevention and treatment among caregivers of children under the age of five is critical to reducing the morbidity and mortality caused by malaria in the under-five population. This study, therefore, assessed the knowledge and practices of caregivers of children under five years in Southwestern Nigeria towards malaria prevention. A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using a pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Out of the 797 caregivers surveyed, 689 (86.4%) demonstrated good knowledge of malaria. Caregivers from Ondo and Ogun States had significantly higher odds of good malaria knowledge compared to those from Osun State. Good knowledge was significantly associated with better malaria prevention practices (OR = 2.347, 95% CI = 1.251-4.406, p = 0.008). The study found that over half of caregivers possessed good knowledge of malaria, which was significantly associated with better prevention practices in children under five. These findings offer valuable insights for targeted public health interventions aimed at malaria control in Nigeria.