A Hospital Based Study Of Malaria
[IN NDIEGORO COMMUNITY, ABA SOUTH L.G.A. ABIA STATE]

CHAPTER 6 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION
6.1    Summary
This research set out to determine the prevalence of malaria infection among members of Ndiegoro community, Aba South L.G.A., AbiaState, attending hospital and to ascertain their management practices.
The prevalence of malaria parasites was done using both thick and thin blood film microscopy on those attending local hospitals. On the knowledge of management practices of the people, qualitative data was elicited using structured questionnaire. It was also part of the objectives of the research to determine association (if any) of the level of education and method of treatment of malaria adopted. Similarly, age-specific and sex-specific prevalence were observed.
The overall prevalence of malaria was found to be 51%. All the cases of malaria diagnosed were infection of Plasmodium falciparum. It was found that the preventive measures against mosquitoes bites adopted by the community includes: door and windows screen, untreated bed nets, ITNs, mosquitoes repellent, environmental sanitation, using fan, insecticide spray, and chemo-prophylaxis. Also the malaria treatment methods by the people of the community include: the use of traditional medicine, the buying of anti-malarial from chemist without prescription of a physician, and attendance of local hospitals. Some people combine various management practices out of ignorance and poverty. Based on these findings and observations, the following recommendations are for the study community and for the general purpose of making significant difference in the bid to contain malaria in endemic areas.
6.2    Recommendation for Ndiegoro Community
1.    A good percentage of the people buy anti-malarial drugs from shops to treat malaria. The World Health Organization (1999) in one if its studies observed that the management of malaria in the homes could be markedly improved by the use of genuine blister package doses of anti-malarial. The same study revealed that prepackaging of anti- malarial ensures compliance with full course of treatment and drug management resulting in reduced cost of treating malaria and reduced waiting times in the drug dispensaries. Unfortunately fake drugs in shops markets are limiting this important malaria control practice. It therefore becomes necessary that government at all levels, market unions and pharmaceutical societies should work closely and win the war against fake drugs for the special benefit of the health of the poor.
2.    There is need to educate the community on the appropriate practices in the management of malaria. This is necessary since a good number of the people are either uneducated or poorly educated. Therefore, adequate sensitization through electronic media, seminars and workshops in advocated.