Socioeconomic Determinants of the use of Traditional Methods of Malaria Treatment among Rural Households in South-East, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the socioeconomic determinants of the use of traditional methods of malaria treatment for increased agricultural production among rural households in South-East, Nigeria. Specifically, the study ascertained the traditional methods of malaria treatment employed by rural households in the study area as well as analyzed the socioeconomic determinants for the use of traditional methods of Malaria treatment among rural households. Three States of Abia, Imo and Ebonyi, were randomly selected for the study, while a sample size of 360 household heads were randomly selected. Data were collected using structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews. The result of the focus group discussion validated the responses from the interviews. Frequency distribution, percentages and Ordinary Least Square multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The result of the study revealed that respondents utilized all the traditional treatments studied except steam bathing and inhalation of boiled leaves/roots/bark concoction. Usage of traditional methods of treatment had positive relationship with age, marital status, household size and membership of organization, while education and health care contact were negatively related. Traditional medicine was an important resource, providing healthcare to manage illness among households. It is recommended that Nigeria should as a matter of urgency fully integrate the traditional medical sub sector with the orthodox practice. There is need to properly integrate traditional medical practitioners into the healthcare systems in Nigeria.