Project – Assessment of Malaria Prevention Practices Among Households in Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Malaria remains one of the most significant public health challenges globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where climatic conditions, socio-economic factors, and health system limitations favour its transmission. The disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Despite being preventable and treatable, malaria continues to account for high morbidity and mortality, especially among children under five years, pregnant women, and economically productive adults (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023).

Nigeria bears the highest burden of malaria worldwide, accounting for a substantial proportion of global malaria cases and deaths. According to recent reports, malaria contributes significantly to outpatient visits, hospital admissions, school absenteeism, and loss of man-hours across the country (National Malaria Elimination Programme [NMEP], 2022). The persistent prevalence of malaria in Nigeria has been linked not only to environmental factors but also to inadequate adoption of effective malaria prevention practices at the household level.

Malaria prevention strategies emphasize vector control and behavioural practices, including the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), environmental sanitation, elimination of stagnant water, proper waste disposal, use of mosquito repellents, and prompt health-seeking behaviour. These interventions are most effective when consistently practiced at the household level, as households constitute the primary setting where exposure to mosquito bites occurs, particularly during night hours (Adebayo & Akinyemi, 2021).

In urban and peri-urban areas such as Ikorodu Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State, malaria transmission remains prevalent despite increased access to health information and services. Ikorodu is characterized by rapid population growth, mixed residential settlements, poor drainage systems in some communities, and proximity to water bodies, all of which create favourable breeding environments for mosquitoes. Seasonal flooding, indiscriminate waste disposal, and overcrowded housing further compound malaria risks within households in the area.

Although government and non-governmental organizations have implemented malaria control programmes in Lagos State—such as free distribution of ITNs, public health education campaigns, and environmental sanitation initiatives—the actual utilization and sustainability of these preventive measures by households remain uncertain. Evidence suggests that ownership of preventive tools does not always translate into correct or consistent use, thereby reducing their effectiveness (Oloruntoba et al., 2020).

Household malaria prevention practices are influenced by several factors, including knowledge and awareness, cultural beliefs, socio-economic status, educational level, housing conditions, and perception of malaria risk. In some households, misconceptions about malaria causation and prevention persist, leading to poor compliance with recommended practices. For instance, some residents prioritize treatment over prevention or rely on traditional methods that may not effectively reduce malaria transmission (Ibrahim et al., 2022).

Assessing malaria prevention practices among households in Ikorodu LGA is therefore crucial for understanding existing behaviours, identifying gaps in prevention efforts, and informing targeted interventions. Such an assessment will provide evidence-based insights that can support public health authorities, policymakers, and community health workers in strengthening malaria prevention strategies at the grassroots level.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite sustained malaria control efforts in Nigeria, malaria remains endemic in many parts of Lagos State, including Ikorodu Local Government Area. This persistent burden raises concerns about the effectiveness of malaria prevention practices at the household level. While preventive tools such as insecticide-treated nets and environmental sanitation programmes are widely promoted, malaria incidence continues to be reported among households, suggesting gaps between policy implementation and actual household practices.

In Ikorodu LGA, environmental conditions such as stagnant water, blocked drainage channels, and unplanned urban settlements provide conducive breeding sites for mosquitoes. These conditions, coupled with rapid population growth and varying socio-economic backgrounds, increase household vulnerability to malaria infection. However, many households may not adequately adopt recommended preventive measures due to lack of awareness, poor attitudes, financial constraints, or negligence.

Furthermore, studies have shown that some households possess malaria prevention tools but do not use them correctly or consistently. For example, insecticide-treated nets may be underutilized due to discomfort, heat, or misconceptions about their safety. Similarly, environmental sanitation practices may be irregular or poorly coordinated within communities, reducing their overall impact on malaria control.

Another critical issue is the limited availability of localized data on household malaria prevention practices in Ikorodu LGA. Without empirical evidence on what households know, believe, and practice regarding malaria prevention, it becomes difficult for health authorities to design effective, context-specific interventions. This lack of data may lead to generalized programmes that fail to address the unique challenges faced by households in the area.

If these challenges remain unaddressed, malaria will continue to pose a serious health and economic burden on households in Ikorodu LGA, affecting productivity, school attendance, and overall quality of life. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to assess malaria prevention practices among households in Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess malaria prevention practices among households in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives of the study are to:

1. examine the level of knowledge of households on malaria prevention in Ikorodu LGA;

2. identify the malaria prevention methods commonly practiced by households in the area;

3. assess the extent to which households utilize insecticide-treated nets and other preventive measures;

4. identify factors influencing malaria prevention practices among households in Ikorodu LGA.

1.5 Research Questions

The study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the level of knowledge of malaria prevention among households in Ikorodu LGA?

2. What malaria prevention practices are commonly adopted by households in the area?

3. To what extent do households utilize insecticide-treated nets and other preventive measures?

4. What factors influence malaria prevention practices among households in Ikorodu LGA?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

The study will be tested at 0.05 level of significance.

H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between household knowledge of malaria and malaria prevention practices in Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State.

1.7 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be beneficial to public health authorities, policymakers, and malaria control programmes by providing empirical data on household malaria prevention practices in Ikorodu LGA. It will help health educators and community health workers design targeted health education interventions aimed at improving preventive behaviours.

The study will also benefit households by increasing awareness of effective malaria prevention strategies and encouraging positive behavioural change. Additionally, the research will contribute to academic literature and serve as a reference for future researchers in public health and environmental health studies.

1.8 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to households in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State. It focuses on malaria prevention practices such as use of insecticide-treated nets, environmental sanitation, and other household-level preventive measures. The study does not cover malaria treatment or clinical management.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

• Malaria: A parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

• Malaria Prevention Practices: Actions taken by households to prevent malaria transmission, including use of ITNs and environmental sanitation.

• Households: Individuals living together under the same roof and sharing common living arrangements.

• Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs): Mosquito nets treated with insecticides used to prevent mosquito bites during sleep.

• Ikorodu Local Government Area: One of the local government areas in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Project – Assessment of Malaria Prevention Practices Among Households in Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State