Antecedent Factors Relating to Malaria Among Secondary School Students in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is a malaria-endemic country, and the disease is responsible for a high-rate of morbidity and mortality among various segments of the population. The aim of this study was to assess the living situation, knowledge, and perception relating to malaria among secondary school students. This descriptive cross-sectional study employed a multi-stage sampling technique to recruit 430 students from private and public secondary schools in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that included questions on socio-demographic characteristics; respondents’ living conditions; a 66-point scale on knowledge of causes, transmission route, symptoms, prevention, and consequences of malaria; and a 22-point scale on perceptions of malaria. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANOVA at a confidence level of 95%. Respondents’ mean knowledge score was 27.0±7.9, with a majority (76.1%) having poor knowledge. The type of school attended influenced respondents’ knowledge. The mean perception score was 12.3±4.2 with 61.0% of the respondents having favourable perceptions. Students in private schools had a lower knowledge of malaria as compared to those in public schools (p<0.05). Age was significantly associated with perception as younger students had a better perception towards malaria compared to students in older age groups. Respondents had inadequate knowledge relating to malaria and several of them had perceptions that can put them at risk of the disease. Appropriate school-based health promotion strategies such as peer education, and training are needed to address the identified gaps in knowledge, and perceptions not in line with the biomedical worldview.