article · Cameroon Journal of Biological and Biochemical Sciences
Malaria remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affecting young children. In northern Cameroon, a cross-sectional assessment evaluated the acceptability of seasonal malaria chemoprevention among parents of children aged 3 to 59 months. Surveying 58 households, the investigation gathered data on sociodemographic factors, disease awareness, preventative practices, and bed net usage. Most participating parents had secondary education, demonstrated high awareness of malaria, and possessed good knowledge regarding preventative measures. Approximately 69 percent of tested children were negative for malaria. Seasonal malaria chemoprevention was accepted by 67.24 percent of respondents. Statistical analysis revealed that parental education and knowledge of the intervention were significant predictors of acceptability. Despite broad awareness, achieving comprehensive coverage and adherence remains difficult, indicating a clear need for targeted educational interventions tailored to parental background.
Seasonal malaria chemoprevention protects vulnerable young children in areas with high seasonal transmission, yet community uptake varies widely. Identifying the specific drivers of parental acceptance, particularly education and intervention knowledge, allows public health authorities to design targeted communication campaigns. Addressing these factors directly helps bridge the gap between awareness and active participation, ultimately lowering severe childhood malaria rates across affected regions.
The findings can inform public health agencies, non-governmental organisations, and healthcare programme managers designing targeted educational and community delivery strategies for antimalarial interventions. Because this work constitutes an applied observational survey rather than a commercial product development pipeline, it primarily offers operational insights for implementation programmes rather than direct market applications. Any practical deployment involves immediate operational refinement for public health campaigns currently active in northern Cameroon.
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ABSTRACT Malaria is a significant challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Cameroon, where children under 5 years of age are disproportionately affected. The WHO recommends seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) for children aged 3-59 months in areas of high seasonal transmission. Conducted in northern Cameroon from December 2021 to June 2022, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess SMC acceptability among parents of children under 5. Structured questionnaires collected data from 58 households on sociodemographic, malaria and SMC knowledge, insecticide-treated net (ITN) utilization, child malaria positivity, and SMC acceptability. Logistic regression identified predictors of SMC acceptability. Respondents from 58 households, mostly with secondary education, showed high awareness of malaria and SMC and good preventive knowledge. ITN utilization varied. A total of 68.97% of the children tested for malaria were negative. Overall, 67.24% accepted SMC, with education and SMC knowledge as significant predictors. This study highlights the acceptability of SMC among parents of children under 5 in northern Cameroon. Achieving full SMC coverage and adherence remains challenging despite widespread awareness. Considering factors such as education and SMC knowledge, targeted interventions are crucial for reducing the malaria burden in this vulnerable population. Keywords: Malaria, Seasonal Malaria chemoprevention, Cameroon, Children under 5. Acceptability.
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DOI: 10.63342/cjbbs2025.26.34.033.en
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