COMMUNITY HEALTH EMPOWERMENT: WOMEN TRAINING CAREGIVERS IN RURAL MALARIA MANAGEMENT IN ENUGU, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, contributing to high rates of morbidity, mortality, and economic loss. In rural Enugu State, the burden is particularly severe. This study assessed the effectiveness of using trained Role Model Mothers (RMMs) in improving home management of malaria among caregivers in rural communities.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used. Data were collected manually, edited, and analyzed using SPSS version 15. Statistical tests included chi-square, McNemar chi-square, Student’s t-test, and binary logistic regression, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Caregivers in the intervention group showed significantly better outcomes in knowledge (91.2% vs. 0.5%), attitude (67.2% vs. 3.7%), and practice (74.4% vs. 1.9%) compared to the control group (χ² = 712.435, p < 0.001). After six months, a significantly higher proportion of caregivers in the intervention group maintained good home management practices (χ² = 479.758, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Training women as Role Model Mothers significantly improves home-based malaria management. This strategy is especially effective in rural areas with limited healthcare access and should be scaled up for broader impact