KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF MALARIA PREVENTION STRATEGIES AMONG STUDENTS OF ADELEKE UNIVERSITY, EDE, OSUN STATE
Abstract
Introduction: Malaria is one of the most challenging public health issues in the developing world. To combat malaria effects in highly endemic areas including Nigeria. Several interventions are employed by stakeholders. Hospital reviews show that it accounts for over 60% of outpatient visits to health facilities including Adeleke University health center. Aim: This study investigated the level of knowledge and practice of malaria prevention strategies among students of Adeleke University, Ede Osun state. Method: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design and Cochran formula for population determination was used to randomly select 228 students for the study. Reliability test result showed a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.773. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using SPSS version 26 into frequencies and simple percentages. Chi-Square analysis was used to test for the hypothesis. Results: Findings from data analysis showed that 145(64.6%) of the respondents had good knowledge of malaria prevention while 83(35.4%) had poor knowledge of malaria prevention. Furthermore, 192(84.2%) of the respondents had high preventive practices against malaria while 36(15.8%) had low preventive practices. Result of the null hypothesis showed that there is a significant relationship between knowledge on malaria prevention and practices of malaria prevention strategies among the respondents at p=0.000. Conclusion and recommendation: Majority of the students in Adeleke University have good knowledge and high preventive practice towards malaria infection. It is recommended that a sensitization workshop be conducted during orientation programme of students. Students should be encouraged to practice malaria prevention and seek prompt care from health facilities.Keywords: Malaria, Prevention practices, Students, Adeleke University.Word count: 255
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