Global Advanced Research Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
April 2012 Vol. 1(3), pp. 068-074
Copyright © 2012 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Artisans and traders’ knowledge, attitude and practices of malaria in selected areas of Lagos, Nigeria

Okwa OO*, Soremekun BM, Adeseko O and Raheem AM

Department of zoology, parasitology unit, faculty of science, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author E-mail: omolade.okwa@lasunigeria.org, okwaomolade@hotmail.com; Tel: 234(0)8028313362

Accepted 18 April, 2012

Abstract

A cross sectional survey on the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of malaria among  50 artisans (all males) and 50 traders  (78% female) was carried out in five selected areas of Lagos, Nigeria. Pretested, structured questionnaires were administered to both groups. The artisans were mainly primarily educated while the traders had mainly secondary education and this impact on the KAP. KAP was insufficient among artisans than traders as only 2(4%) of the artisans knew the cause of malaria. However, 26(52%) of traders of which 2(4%) had tertiary education and 24(48%) with secondary education knew the cause of malaria P<0.05). Weakness (30%) was the most recognized symptom among artisans but loss of appetite (32%) was the most recognized among traders (P<0.05).  Twenty (40%) from both groups reported that they had malaria once yearly. Self medication was carried out by half of the population, 25(50%) artisan and 24(48%) traders (P>0.05).Twenty –four (48%) of artisans and 45(90%) of traders use local herbs as home remedies (P>0.05). Thirty -two (64%) of artisans and 35(70%) of traders claimed they had never been admitted for malaria (P<0.05).  Insecticide sprays and Clean environment had the greatest say among methods of preventing malaria for artisan 16(32%) and traders (27(54%) respectively (P<0.05). The use of insecticide treated nets (ITNS) was unpopular among the two groups as none of the artisans and only 3(6%) of traders use ITNS (P>0.05).Radio and television were the best methods in which both groups get information on malaria. The study reveals a significant link between low education and low KAP of malaria. The study also highlights a critical need for targeting health messages appropriately towards poorly educated people.

Keywords: KAP, Malaria, Artisans, Traders, ITNS, Lagos.