Malaria Treatment Seeking Practices among Mothers in Rural Refugee Villages in Belize, Central America: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Since early and appropriate treatment is an important determinant in the outcome of malaria infection in children, a study using qualitative data collection methods was conducted to investigate child malaria treatment-seeking practices among mothers in rural refugee villages in Belize, Central America. Qualitative methods, which included in-depth key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and rapid assessment interviews, were used to produce in-depth details on how mothers identified and defined fever and malaria and their behaviors relating to treatment practices. The use of multi-method qualitative data collection techniques provided important contributions that were used in designing a series of health education messages to impact child malaria treatment.