Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part C (2025)

This study assessed malaria risk behaviors as well as some socio-cultural practices that rural and urban residents of Orji, Imo State, engage in, between June and November 2022. Using a structured questionnaire, 207 participants aged 15 years and above were sampled. Data analysis involved simple frequencies and percentages. The highest age group was 31-35 years, accounting for 29.5%. Females accounted for 61.8%, married for 67.7%, and farmers for 35.3%. Secondary education, with 68.1%, was the highest level of education attained by most respondents; rural residents accounted for 64.3%, while brick houses accounted for 78.3%. On the knowledge about malaria, 86.9% identified mosquito bites as causative, 100% knew malaria was transmitted through mosquitoes, 75.8% reported nocturnal biting, and 64.7% identified stagnant water as the main breeding site. Insecticide-treated nets (51.7%) were the most mentioned indoor prevention method, while pregnant women (39.6%) and children under five (31.9%) were the most affected. Also, fever/headache was the most reported symptom, at 54.1%. Regarding attitudes and practices, only 27.5% sought care at health centers, 56.5% acknowledged malaria as a life-threatening disease, and 86.9% reported using mosquito nets. On treatment, 46.9% used modern drugs, 14.9% traditional/herbal remedies, and 38.1% used both; 62.3% recognized the risk of improper drug use. Chemist shops were the primary source of treatment for 50.7% of respondents, and 38.2% took antimalarial drugs every three months. Conclusively, there is overall awareness, yet misconceptions about causes, symptoms, transmission, and prevention of malaria still exist. The study identifies the need for targeted health education in order to address such gaps and effectively work toward the practice of malaria prevention.