Knowledge of Transmission, Malaria Belief and Health-Seeking Behaviour in Oye-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abiodun M. Lawal^1, , Shyngle K. Balogun² and Bukola V. Bada²

¹Department of Psychology, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

²Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Cite this paper:
Abiodun M. Lawal, Shyngle K. Balogun and Bukola V. Bada. Knowledge of Transmission, Malaria Belief and Health-Seeking Behaviour in Oye-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. American Journal of Rural Development. 2014; 2(1):8-12. doi: 10.12691/ajrd-2-1-2

Abstract

Malaria fever appears to be one of the leading causes of mortality in Nigeria. Improper health seeking behaviour for effective treatment is still a great concern for health practitioners especially in rural areas. The study examined knowledge of causes of malaria and malaria belief as determinants of health seeking-behaviour in Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti sate, Nigeria. A cross sectional survey research design was used to examine variables of interest in the study. A sample of 187 (86 males, 101 females) community members with mean age of 25.95 years participated in the study. Three hypotheses were tested in the research. Knowledge of causes of malaria has a significant influence on health-seeking behaviour (t = 3.98; df = 185; p < .05). Malaria belief has no significant influence on health-seeking behaviour among respondents (t = -1.36; df = 185; p > 0.05). Gender has no significant influence on health-seeking behaviour (t = 0.51; df = 185; p > .05). It is concluded that knowledge of the transmission of malaria is still vital in seeking for effective treatment measures in rural area like Oye-Ekiti, in Ekiti state. There is a need for a community-based enlightenment on transmission of malaria in this area for effective health seeking-behaviour.

Keywords:
knowledge malaria belief health-seeking behaviour rural area Nigeria

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