DOI: 10.21276/sajp

Pages: 191-196

The persistence of malaria in Nigeria is a source of public health challenge and this has resulted in various treatment-seeking behaviour among the citizenry. Many factors have been shown to influence the choice of healthseeking behaviour and of particular importance are the socio-economic and cultural factors which differ a lot from different communities in Nigeria. In order to win the war against malaria, it is important to identify these factors in the various communities. The study was designed to determine the prevalence of malaria and treatment-seeking behaviour of the people living in Azikoro Town and Aluu community of Bayelsa and Rivers States respectively. A prospective community based study was conducted on a sample size of 203 and 282 persons in Azikoro Town and Aluu Community respectively using rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit and well-structured questionnaires to retrieve socio-demographic information from respondents. Data collected was analysed using SPSS package. The results showed 12.3%and 10.8% prevalence rate in Aluu community and Azikoro town respectively with highest prevalence occurring among age groups 20-29 (6.4 %) and 10-19 (5.4 %) respectively. Various methods ranging from insecticides use to herbal medicines were employed by the people for prevention and treatment of malaria. The study revealed the prevalence of malaria and measures employed by the people in the two communities for the prevention and treatment of malaria. There is need for continuous sensitization and public awareness programmes for the prevention and treatment of malaria in the country