Enhancing Recognition And Treatment Of Malaria In Rural Communities Through The Training Of Community Health Extension Workers (Chews) In South - Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

A pilot study to determine the impact of training community health workers in the identification and treatment of malaria in rural communities was undertaken. A rain forest area of south Eastern Nigeria was chosen for the study. The areas represent typical rural communities with hardly accessible roads, little physical infrastructure and nonavailability of health facilities. The study lasted for barely 4 months, between September to December 1997. Five community personnel with basic secondary schools level certificate were recruited and trained. The pre and post average scores were 37.7% and 73.3% respectively. The difference is statistically significant (teal = 9.43: t8, 0.05=2.31: P=<0.05). At the end of the study, a total of 788 patients were seen out of which 543 with malaria symptoms were diagnosed - after blood screening for malaria parasites. Forty Seven of those with malaria symptoms were identified to be severe and referred to the nearest health facility. While 421 cases out of the 788 films were correctly prepared. There was however a significant difference (p< 0.05) in the preparation of films from community to community showing variation in the level of understanding of the community Health Extension workers (CHEWS) posted to those communities.

Keywords

• enhancing recognition
• treatment
• malaria
• training