Perception of Malaria Transmission and Preventive Strategies among Adolescents in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria

Introduction: Malaria is a cause of mortality in African. Though preventable it has remained a public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa where more than 90% of all malaria cases occur. The study is intended to determine the perception of malaria transmission and prevention among adolescent in Rivers State.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adolescents in secondary schools in Port Harcourt. A Self-administered questionnaire was employed for data collection. Descriptive analysis was carried out. Comparing two mean was by t-test while test for significance was by chi square. In all a p value of ≤ 0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results: Results of the 969 subjects 445 (45.9%) were males while 524 (54.1%) were females. The mean age was 14.3 ± 1.2 years. All the respondent (100%) had heard of malaria, 957 (98.8%) were aware that mosquito was the vector, 923(95.3%) reported that the mode of transmission was through a bite by mosquito. Misconception regarding transmission of malaria was identified among 46(4.7%) participants. 760 (78.4%) of them possessed Insecticidal Treated Nets (ITN). Factors that enhanced ITN use among the respondents includes being a Junior student (p<0.001, OR=12.48, CI= 8.07-19.31), higher socioeconomic class (p<0.001, OR= 2.39, CI=1.71-3.33) while age and family size were not significantly associated.

Conclusion: Adolescents in Rivers State have considerable information on malaria transmission and prevention however utilization of ITN is poor. Health education is needed to enhance the use of ITN among adolescents in Rivers State.