EDUCATION-MALARIA CONTROL NEXUS: THE CASE OF GHANA
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Date
2011-06-06
Authors
ADJEI, DAVID SEFA
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Ghana , Legon
Abstract
Malaria is a global public health issue as well as a national one in Ghana. It is the number one cause
of under-five mortality in Ghana. Several attempts have been made to curb the negative effects of this
disease which include the use of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs), anti-malarial drugs, indoor-residual
spraying, etc. In Ghana, major stakeholders have ensured the provision of ITNs at highly subsidized
rates and even in some cases, distributed free of charge. Alongside these interventions, there has been
information, education and communication of activities to help Ghanaians understand the malaria
burden and its various means of control. Despite these efforts, there has been marginal decline in
malaria cases and mortality rates. Usage of ITNs still falls below the 80% coverage of the vulnerable
population as recommended by the WHO. Thus, this study sought to investigate the role and extent to
which education influences the ownership of ITNs by households and the usage of ITNs by under-five
children. Using a Probit Model and a Negative Binomial Distribution Model, the study examined the
role of formal and informal education on the usage of ITNs by under-five children and number of
ITNs owned by households in Ghana using data gathered from the Ghana Demographic and Health
Survey (GDHS, 2008). The study revealed that household heads with higher education had a positive
effect on the use of ITNs by under-five children as well as the number of ITNs owned by households.
Health workers and community volunteers also played a positive role in the ownership and usage of
ITNs by households and under-five children respectively. Results from the study implied that much
attention should be paid to the training of health workers and community volunteers to aid them to
effectively disseminate information regarding malaria and its means of control. Efforts should also be
directed at ensuring high enrolment and completion of basic education which serves as a foundation
for attainment of higher education in Ghana. Formal education aids in comprehension of the malaria
burden and its means of control.