Prevalence of Malaria Prevention Practices and Their Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Children Under Five Years in Kpando Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

<i>Background:</i> Malaria poses a significant threat to children under five in Ghana. Despite the availability of effective preventive measures, caregiver compliance remains inconsistent. This study investigated the prevalence of malaria prevention practices and their associated factors among caregivers of children under five years in Kpando Municipality, Ghana. <i>Method:</i> A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 mothers and caregivers with children under five years in Kpando Municipal of Ghana. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect data from respondents through one-on-one interviewer-led enumeration using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Fisher’s Exact Test, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR), p-values, 95% confidence intervals (CI), frequencies and proportions were reported with statistical significance set at p<0.05. The analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. <i>Results:</i> Approximately a 99% participation rate (293 out of the expected 295) was recorded in this study. The prevalence of adequate malaria preventive practices among caregivers was 49%. Long-lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) ownership was 93.2%. Most caregivers (65.2%) consistently used LLINs and ensured their household members used them as well (49%) for malaria prevention. Malaria preventive measures such as clearing stagnant water (66.6%), clearing bushes in the house compound (56%) and visiting health facilities when they fell sick (67.9%), were not consistently practiced by the caregivers. About 64% ensured their water storage containers were always closed. Caregivers with SHS education (aOR = 0.23, 95%CI [0.07-0.78], p = 0.018), and income below Gh¢500 (aOR = 5.81, 95%CI [2.45-13.79], P<.001) had increased odds of practising adequate malaria prevention. Unmarried caregivers (aOR = 0.20, 95% CI [0.09-0.42], p <.001) and caregivers not owning an LLIN (aOR = 0.09, 95% CI [0.02-0.43], p = 0.003) had decreased odds of practising adequate malaria prevention. <i>Conclusion:</i> Though caregivers in the Kpando Municipality had good possession of LLINs, repeated use and practice of other preventive practices against malaria were poor. Targeted community interventions and health education will be required to improve preventive practices against malaria among them. Caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards the prevention of malaria need to be explored in future studies to plan more effective behaviour change interventions.