Health-Seeking Behaviour for Febrile Illness among Caregivers of Children under Five Years across Malaria Endemicity Zones in Kenya

Fezokuhle Khumalo, University of Witwatersrand
Latifat Ibisomi, Wits University

Background: Febrile illness-related health-seeking behaviour (HSB) is fundamental for decreasing negative outcomes from febrile illness. Factors associated with appropriate HSB for febrile illness in children under five years were examined. Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (2020). Analysis was done using STATA 17. Study participants were described using frequencies. The prevalence of appropriate HSB was estimated, and factors associated with appropriate HSB were determined. Results: Of 562 participants, 35.4% had appropriate HSB. The prevalence of appropriate HSB was highest in the low-risk malaria endemicity zones (43.63%). Odds of appropriate HSB were significantly lower in female-headed households than in male-headed households, and in caregivers with primary level education compared to those with no education. Conclusion: A third of women exhibited appropriate HSB. Factors associated with appropriate HSB were sex of the household head and highest level of education attained by the caregiver.