Is Religious Affiliation Influencing Prevention and Treatment of Malaria among Children in Uganda?

Patricia Ndugga, Makerere University

Individuals living in camps are often at increased risk of exposure to malaria because of interruption of malaria control activities since there is displacement of populations due to war. The general objective of the study was to establish the influence of religion in determining use of ITNs and treatment practices of malaria among children under five years in Uganda. The study used secondary data collected by Ministry of Health. In this survey, information on the characteristics of the caretakers were collected as well as treatment actions and health conditions of children under five in these households. This survey was implemented in 11 out of Uganda’s 80 districts with a sample size of 2,044 respondents. Results indicated that religion was highly significantly associated with the use of mosquito nets at p=0.0000. Other significant factors were place of residence, household size and average monthly expenditure.