Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Care Takers About Malaria Epidemiology Among Children Below the Age of Five Years Attending Munuki PHCC in Juba City

Abstract:
It is noted globally over 95 countries and territories have on going malaria transmission with an estimated 3.2 billion people who are at risk of getting infected. The WHO indicates that 214 million people are infected with malaria worldwide and of these 438,000cases result in deaths. Children below five years are the most susceptible to malaria illness which accounts for estimated deaths of 303,000 before reaching age five globally and 292,000 occur in the African region. The purpose of the study was to determining the prevalence of malaria and the associated risk factors among children below 5 years in Munuki PHCC, Juba Capital City, South Sudan. The study was a quantitative and cross section survey which involved a sample size of 243 care takers of 243 children below the age of five who attended Munuki PHCC. A convenient sampling method allowed data to be collected about malaria prevalence and the associated factors simultaneously in the months of August and September 2023. The prevalence of malaria was high 118(48.6%) and the factors that were significant with malaria prevalence included; house hold source of light (x2= 8.560, P=0.036), care taker knowledge of signs and symptoms (loss of appetite) x2=4.023, P=0.045) and environmental factor about presence of garbage heaps (x2=4.322, P=0.038).
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