KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES REGARDING HERBAL REMEDIES FOR MALARIA IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE.
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Abstract
Use of herbal malaria remedies has increased globally. Knowledge of malaria and available treatment options at community level is paramount for successful sustainable malaria interventions but this has,most times, been overlooked. Across-sectional study on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding herbal remedies for malaria was done in six rural communities at Awka, Nigeria between October and December 2022. Structured open-ended questionnaires elicited information on demographics and KAP of 200 respondents regardingherbal malaria remedies. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics while Friedman test ranked variables at P<0.05 confidence interval. About 99% of respondents were aware of malaria andsuffered it; 60% experienced headache, fever (40%), cold (38%), body pain (28%), vomiting (23%), and nausea (18%). About 32% had two episodesin a year.Almost 91% preferred orthodox drugs while 18% went forherbal remedies prepared mostly with leaves of Azadirachta indica, Cymbopogon citratus, and Carica papayaplants. Gender, age, and educational level of respondents did not significantly (P>0.05) influence KAP regarding malaria and its herbal remedies. Public enlightenment on safe preparation, handling, storage, intake and regulation of herbal malaria drugs willenhance their efficacy and reduce associated potential risks.
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