Assessment of Malaria Prevention Practices and Their Effectiveness Among Households in Anambra State, South East Nigeria

Malaria prevention at the household level is a cornerstone of Nigeria's national malaria control strategy, yet gaps in practice prevalence and intervention effectiveness persist in many states. This study assessed malaria prevention practices and their perceived effectiveness among households in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 400 household heads using structured questionnaires. Observational checklists were used to verify self-reported prevention practices, and a review of malaria case records from two primary healthcare facilities was conducted for a twelve-month period. Findings showed that insecticide-treated net ownership was high at eighty-four percent, but actual usage the previous night was documented in only fifty-eight percent of households. Indoor residual spraying had been carried out in only fifteen percent of surveyed households. Environmental management practices, including drain clearing, elimination of stagnant water, and bush clearing around residences, were practiced consistently in only thirty-three percent of households. Malaria incidence was significantly lower in households with consistent ITN use and environmental management practices combined. Caregivers with secondary or higher education demonstrated significantly higher rates of preventive behavior. The study recommends scaling up community-based behavioral change campaigns, ITN redistribution programs, and integrating malaria environmental management into community health worker protocols. Keywords: malaria prevention, insecticide-treated nets, Anambra State, households, environmental management.