Gender Roles, Caregivers’ Perception of Barriers and Benefits of Male Involvement in Malaria Management among under-Five Children in Nigeria

Opeyemi Olodude, Osun State University

This study explored the perceptions of under-five caregivers on the barriers and benefits of male involvement in malaria prevention, treatment, and management of under-five children in Nigeria. These were with a view to understanding how gender intersects with health-seeking decisions at the household and their implications on malaria management among under-five children. The study is anchored on the social and gender norms theoretical foundations of the Gender Power theory, and it employed qualitative data collected from twenty (20) In-depth Interviews (IDIs) and eight (8) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted among married women and men in Kebbi and Osun States. Data were subjected to thematic-content analysis. Preliminary findings showed that societal norms determined the roles that each gender played in home management. Financial constraints, time constraints, peer influence and societal norms served as barriers to male involvement, while the benefits mentioned were spousal support, psychological booster, family unity and bonding.