Current practices for the prevention and treatment of malaria in children and in pregnant women in the Brazzaville Region (Congo)

Abstract

Current practices for the prevention and treatment of malaria in children and in pregnant women in the Brazzaville Region (Congo) were studied in 1989 and 1990. Information was obtained by interviewing a total of 1152 subjects. Overall, chemoprophylaxis was used less than was the systematic treatment of fever. Fever was treated before seeking medical advice in over 50% of the cases. Two-thirds of those interviewed reported that they slept under mosquito nets. Families with lower socio-economic standards were less likely to use chemoprophylaxis, to have antimalarials in the home, and to own mosquito nets; and they were more likely to prefer injections and to purchase drugs in the local markets.