Abstract:

Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Access to prompt and effective treatment of malaria is at the core of the prevention of deaths in under 5 children in Nigeria. This study investigates the socio-demographic determinants of prompt response behavior of caregivers to malaria among children under 5 years in Nigeria. The analysis is based on 14,6471 women aged 15- 49 years from the most recent national population-based survey (Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey 2021) using chi-square and logistic regression methods. The study is based on caregivers whose children had malaria at least 2 weeks before the survey across the 36 states in Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Knowledge of fever, educational attainment of caregivers and family wealth are all significant determinants of prompt malaria treatment for children under 5 years in Nigeria. Respondents with adequate knowledge of malaria signs and symptoms were 1.5 times more likely to seek prompt treatment, those who have at least primary education were 1.7 times more likely to seek prompt treatment while the higher the family wealth, the more likely it is for a caregiver to seek prompt treatment for malaria for children under 5 years. Despite the high knowledge of malaria among caregivers, there is still low timely treatment response for children under 5 years. Therefore, programs should focus on increasing awareness and benefits of prompt care-seeking among caregivers.

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