Extent of home treatment of fever in u derfives by caregivers using modern antimalarials and associated factors in Kyela district, Tanzania

Abstract

Home treatment of fever in underfives is a common practice in our communities and majority of caregivers have not been trained to provide it appropriately. This has lead to exposure of children to potential risks such as under or over dosage. Broadly, the objective of this study was to determine the extent of home treatment of fever in underfives by caregivers using modern antimalarials and associated factors in Kyela District, Tanzania. A cross-sectional, community-based study using close-ended questionnaire was conducted in Kyela district in July, 2008. The study involved 300 caregivers of children aged between 2 to 59 months. Results showed that 104 (34.7%) of caregivers reported history of fever to their underfives within two weeks prior to the study. Forty two (40.4%) out of 104 caregivers whose children had history of fever, treated them at home using various drugs. Modern antimalarials were used in home treatment of about 74% of the underfives, commonly with Artemether-Lumefantrine (ALu) which amounted to 51.6%. Age of 30 years or above of caregiver, perceived less severity of illness and perceived poor quality of health services were significantly associated with home treatment. From this study, it is concluded that inappropriate home treatment for underfives is a major public health problem in some communities and that majority of caregivers have not been trained to offer appropriate home treatment. The study therefore recommends that caregivers should be trained, through Community Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses, on appropriate ways of providing home treatment for underfives with fever and other illnesses in order to prevent them from any possible negative effects and to improve early diagnosis and prompt treatment.