Effectiveness of Health Education Campaigns in Changing Malaria Prevention Practices in Kogi State Communities

Malaria remains one of Nigeria's most significant preventable causes of morbidity and mortality, with health education campaigns representing a primary community-level prevention strategy. This study evaluates the effectiveness of health education campaigns in changing malaria prevention practices in rural communities in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. A quasi-experimental design was employed, comparing malaria prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices before and after a structured six-month community health education campaign implemented in four communities, against four matched comparison communities without the campaign. Campaign activities included community health talks, distribution of illustrated prevention materials, radio broadcasts, and training of village health extension workers as community educators. Data were collected from 360 adult community members through interviewer-administered questionnaires at baseline and endline. Findings reveal statistically significant improvements in correct insecticide-treated bednet usage, indoor residual spraying acceptance, environmental malaria control practices, and prompt health facility consultation for fever episodes in campaign communities. Knowledge improvements are robust, with attitude and practice changes showing greater variability across communities. Community leader endorsement and village health worker engagement are identified as critical enablers of practice change. Recommendations include sustaining campaign activities beyond project periods, integrating community malaria education into primary health care programming, and strengthening village health worker training and supervision. Keywords: health education, malaria prevention, community campaigns, Kogi State, behaviour change