Role Model Caregivers Intervention for Home Management of Childhood Malaria in Rural Community of Rivers State, Nigeria: A Community-Based Study

Background: Malaria remains a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Despite improved access to prevention and treatment, delayed care-seeking and inappropriate home management persist. This study assessed the effect of Role Model Caregivers (RMC) training on malaria knowledge and home management practices under-fives in rural communities of Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted between November 2023 and February 2024 in Usokun (intervention) and Tema (control) communities. A total of 420 caregivers (210 per group) were recruited. Selected caregivers were trained as RMCs to provide malaria education. Outcomes were malaria knowledge and home management practices. Knowledge was measured using a composite score on symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment. At the same time, practices were assessed based on reported actions during the most recent febrile episode, including drug use, timing, and referral. Data were analysed using SPSS v27, with logistic regression used to identify predictors. Results: Most caregivers were women (95.0%), aged 20–39 years (mean 31.8 ± 7.4 years). Adequate malaria knowledge increased from 45.7% to 87.6%, and correct home management improved from 42.9% to 81.9% (p < 0.001). Predictors of correct home management were RMC training (AOR = 5.62; 95% CI: 3.21–9.83), higher education (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.18–5.11), and good malaria knowledge (AOR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.58–6.04). Conclusion: RMC training markedly improved caregivers’ knowledge of malaria and home management, endorsing a sustainable, community-driven approach to early malaria treatment in a rural community of Rivers State.