Knowledge and management of malaria in under five children by primary health care workers in Ibadan South-east local government area.

The results of a survey of the knowledge and management practices of 61 health workers in five primary health care facilities in Ibadan South-east LGA are presented. In addition, 30 health workers were observed as they managed children with fever and the parasite status of 92 children diagnosed to have malaria was determined. Results revealed that 62(67.4%) children had the malaria parasite. Knowledge of some basic concepts was fairly adequate as the majority 46(75.4%) knew the cause of malaria. Treatment practices were poor as only 34(55.7010) and 39(63.9%) health workers respectively prescribed chloroquine and paracetamol correctly. Observation revealed that history taking and physical examinations were rudimentary. Scores out of 100 on correct prescriptions of chloroquine and paracetamol were 60.1 and 76.8 respectively. There is an urgent need for periodic education programmes, especially for health workers with many years of experience to help them maintain clinical skills and refresh their knowledge.