Child malaria treatment practices among mothers in Kenya
A study of 883 mothers with children aged 0-9 years was undertaken in Kilifi district on the Kenyan coast in order to examine child malaria treatment practices. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to investigate: whether complications of childhood malaria were recognized; decision-making dynamics in treatment-seeking; and the extent and reasons for the use of proprietary treatment. Childhood malaria was perceived as a mild, everyday illness, not preventable but treatable. The link between malaria and mosquitoes was not recognized. Mothers recognized convulsions, anaemia and splenomegaly but did not link them to malaria. Antimalarial drugs were not given or were withdrawn from children suffering from these conditions. Ill children were treated promptly by purchase of over-the-counter drugs at retail outlets. The health education implications of these findings are discussed.
Year of publication: |
1995
|
---|---|
Authors: | Mwenesi, Halima ; Harpham, Trudy ; Snow, Robert W. |
Published in: |
Social Science & Medicine. - Elsevier, ISSN 0277-9536. - Vol. 40.1995, 9, p. 1271-1277
|
Publisher: |
Elsevier |
Keywords: | malaria child Kenya Kilifi health-seeking behaviour drug use retail outlets |
Saved in:
Online Resource
Saved in favorites
Similar items by person
-
Gething, Peter W., (2007)
-
Brands, costs and registration status of antimalarial drugs in the Kenyan retail sector
Amin, Abdinasir A., (2005)
-
Noor, Abdisalan M., (2006)
- More ...