%0 Journal Article
%T Predictors of Malaria Prevalence and Coverage of Insecticide-Treated Bednets among Under-Five Children in the Buea Health District, South West Region, Cameroon
%A Mohamed Isah
%A Ngwa Fabrice Ambe
%A Tanyi Pride Bobga
%A Ateh Stanislas Ketum
%A Misonge Kapnang Ivan
%A Mentoh Ajem Abungwi
%J Journal of Biosciences and Medicines
%P 25-40
%@ 2327-509X
%D 2020
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/jbm.2020.82003
%X <strong>Introduction: </strong>Cameroon is a hyperendemic country to malaria where it remains
a major public health concern, especially amongst children under-five.
Insecticide-treated bednets (ITBNs) is the main control strategies. This study
aimed at determining the predictors of malaria prevalence and coverage of
ITBNs among under-five children in the Buea Health District (BHD), South
West Region of Cameroon in other to reduce the morbidity and mortality of
malaria. <strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional study was carried out in the BHD which
is a malaria-hyperendemic area. Every head (female/male) of the household
who was present at home at the time of data collection was randomly interviewed
using a structured questionnaire. Under-five children were ascertained
for malaria using microscopy, with a temperature of ¡İ37.50<span style=\"white-space:nowrap;\">&amp;deg;</span>C. <strong>Results:</strong> Out
of 391 children (mean age = 19.7 month, SD = 2.5) who were selected and ascertained
for malaria, the overall malaria prevalence was 13.04% (95% CI:
10.04 - 16.78). In a multivariate analysis after adjusting for confounders, female
parents/guardians (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29 - 0.91) was associated with
low risk of malaria while parents/guardians with no formal/primary educational
(AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.76 - 4.04) and children who did not use ITBN
(AOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.08 - 2.51) were associated with an increased risk of
malaria. Out of the selected children, 84.4% possessed ITBN (95% CI: 80.4 - 87.7) while 72.6% (95% CI: 67.9 - 76.8) used ITBN. In a multivariate after adjusting
for confounders, Bova health area showed a significantly lower usage of
ITBNs (<em>¦Ö</em> <sup>2</sup> = 14.053, p = 0.003). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The findings indicate that increased
ITBN usage, increased parents/guardians¡¯ educational level and good
knowledge of ITBN is required to lower the risk of under-five children being
infected with malaria. Health area of residence greatly influences the direct
relationship between bednets possession and usage. These, therefore, indicates
the possession of ITBN doesn¡¯t mean their usage. The Cameroon National malaria
control programs should consider the realities of the living conditions of
the population for the implementation of better policies.
%K Malaria
%K Prevalence
%K Bednets
%K Children
%K Under-Five
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=98049