Knowledge of Children’s Caregivers Regarding Malaria within Vhembe District of Limpopo Province: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The high rate of malaria in the province has negatively impacted the department financially since medicines for malaria treatment are scarce and expensive. Many of the families live near the streams, and they are uninformed about malaria’s clinical manifestations and preventive measures. Aims: This study aimed to assess caregivers’ knowledge about malaria in children of selected villages within the Limpopo province of South Africa. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, this study was conducted in villages surrounding the Vhembe district of Limpopo province. A structured selfadministered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. This study included 80 caregivers of children under 12 years of age. Results: It was found that approximately 85% of caregivers knew about malaria’s clinical manifestations and prevention measures. Conclusion: Community health care workers can improve the knowledge of caregivers by strengthening health education and preventive campaigns.