Choices and determinants of malaria treatment seeking behaviour by rural households in Enugu state, South-East Nigeria

Malaria has been found to be a significant contributor to the poor health problem in Nigeria and in Africa. It kills people more than any other infectious disease and about 80% of Nigerian population is exposed to malaria. Several factors influence the choices of households' treatment provider. This study examines the choices and determinants of malaria treatment seeking behaviour given the demographic characteristics of rural households. Household data were collected through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire on 600 households selected from the three senatorial zones of Enugu state and analysed using frequencies and regression analysis. It was found that 43% of farmers, 44% of traders, 44% of skilled labourers and 30% of civil servants sourced treatment from 'chemists' while 12% of farmers, 20% of traders, 23% of skilled labourers and 40% of civil servants sourced treatment from hospital. Education level of household head, cost of treatment, severity and nearness to facility were found to statistically determine the choice of treatment provider (P < 0.005). The study concluded that educational attainment, distance to health facility, severity of illness and financial status of household head majorly determined the choice of malaria treatment and 'chemist' appeared the most-visited treatment provider.

Automated summary

Malaria is a significant health issue in Nigeria and Africa, with a large percentage of the population exposed to it. Factors such as education level, treatment cost, illness severity, and distance to health facility determine the choice of treatment provider. 'Chemists' were found to be the most visited treatment provider.