| dc.description.abstract | Malaria remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, including Sheema District in Uganda. This dissertation investigates the factors influencing the uptake of optimal doses for malaria treatment in the context of Kabwohe-Itendero Town Council. The study aims to provide insights that can inform policymakers, the Ministry of Health, and health centers in developing strategies to improve the completion of malaria doses.
The research design employed a quantitative approach, utilizing a cross-sectional study design. A random sampling technique was used to select households in Kabwohe-Itendero Town Council with experience in malaria treatment. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to household heads or responsible individuals. The questionnaire included sections on demographic information, employment status, education level, distance to the health center, income level, family size, radio usage, use of local herbs, and the uptake of malaria doses.
The findings reveal several significant factors associated with the uptake of optimal doses for malaria treatment. The employment status of the household head emerged as a key determinant, with employed individuals more likely to complete malaria doses compared to the unemployed and self-employed. Education level also played a crucial role, as households with at least a secondary education had a higher likelihood of completing malaria doses. Additionally, the house, where the head listens to the radio demonstrated a higher uptake of malaria doses compared to those who do not. Conversely, the use of local herbs for malaria treatment was negatively associated with completing malaria doses.
However, distance from the health center and family size did not show a significant effect on the uptake of malaria doses. This suggests that geographical accessibility and family composition might not be the primary factors influencing the completion of malaria treatment in this context.
Based on these findings, several recommendations are put forward. First, the creation of more income-generating activities for the unemployed could improve affordability and enhance the completion of malaria doses. Second, a comprehensive sensitization campaign should be implemented to raise awareness about the dangers of self-medication with local herbs, thereby promoting the use of prescribed malaria drugs from health centers and other strategies like health education campaigns, Leverage of mass media, and Health Worker Training which can provide ongoing training and support for healthcare workers in rural areas to ensure they are equipped to educate patients on the importance of completing malaria treatment.
This study also highlights areas for further research, including an exploration of factors associated with the use of local herbs in malaria treatment in Uganda, as well as an evaluation of factors influencing malaria prevention and control in the country. By addressing these research gaps, a deeper understanding of malaria treatment practices and interventions can be attained.
In conclusion, this study contributes valuable insights into the factors influencing the uptake of optimal doses for malaria treatment in Sheema District. The findings underscore the importance of considering demographic, socio-economic, and behavioral factors in designing effective strategies to improve malaria treatment completion. The identified recommendations can guide policymakers and health practitioners in their efforts to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality rates in the region. | en_US |
