PERCEPTION AND PRACTICE OF MALARIA PREVENTION AMONG THE RESIDENTS IN ALUU COMMUNITY RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Malaria is endemic in Rivers State, which lies deep in the Niger Delta Region within the south-south of Nigeria. This study examined the perception and practice of malaria prevention among the residents of Aluu Community in Rivers State, Nigeria. Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The study employed a cross-sectional analytic design on a cluster sample of 428 participants. The research used semi-structured questionnaires of 75% reliability to gather data. Descriptive and inferential (Chi-square) statistical tools were used at p < 0.05. The findings reveal a diverse range of perspectives and practices concerning malaria within the community. Approximately 46% of respondents acknowledged the seriousness of malaria as a public health concern. A dominant perception among the community was that fever is the most common symptom of malaria (64.8%), while 47.1% attributed the disease to mosquitoes. Nonetheless, a mere 26.6% of participants felt adequately informed about malaria. About 48% of respondents reported that a lack of knowledge represents the foremost barrier to effective malaria prevention. For malaria prevention, 67.2% of the respondents used insecticide treated nets and 60% used insecticide sprays and repellents. Educational level was identified as a major factor influencing perception, with a chi-square test yielding a significant association (p