CHILD MALARIA TREATMENT PRACTICES AMONG MOTHERS IN KENYA

A study of 883 mothers with children aged 0-9 years was undertaken in Kilifi district on the Kenyan coast in order to examine child malaria treatment practices. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to investigate: whether complications of childhood malaria were recogniz ed; decision-making dynamics in treatment-seeking; and the extent and reasons for the use of proprietary treatment. Childhood malaria was pe rceived as a mild, everyday illness, not preventable but treatable. Th e link between malaria and mosquitoes was not recognized. Mothers reco gnized convulsions, anaemia and splenomegaly but did not link them to malaria. Antimalarial drugs were not given or were withdrawn from chil dren suffering from these conditions. Ill children were treated prompt ly by purchase of over-the-counter drugs at retail outlets. The health education implications of these findings are discussed.