Determinants of Malaria Treatment Seeking Time for under Five Years Children in Uganda. A Case Study, Apac District.

Olivia Nabulya, MSc. Student
Paul Mbaka, Ministry of Health
Bernard Ordur, Makerere University
Abel Wilson Walekhwa, PhD Candidate

Children under five years are at a high-risk of malaria infection due to their low immunity. Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa particularly in Uganda. However, little is known about the community management of malaria and treatment-seeking patterns. We aim to assess determinants of malaria treatment-seeking behavior for children under-five years by their caretakers in Apac district. By 2020, Apac district reported one of the highest incidences and admissions due to malaria \in Uganda. Survival analysis is done to investigate to socio-economic, demographic, and behavioral factors affecting time to seek malaria treatment for children by their caretakers. STATA14. Cox proportion hazards model is employed to determine the extent to which Education level, marital status, employment status, wealth index, choice of hospital and delayed treatment affects treatment seeking time among caretakers of children under five years. Education level, choice of the hospital and reason for delayed treatment were significantly associated with malaria treatment seeking time. Timely drug supply to hospitals and households, as well as educating caregivers on early malaria treatment for children under five, are crucial for promoting early treatment-seeking behavior in Apac district

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Mortality and Longevity, Comparative methods

See paper.