Analysis of Knowledge, Practices and Determinants of Formal Healthcare-seeking for Malaria Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Benin in 2023

Lamidhi Salami; Vignon Bedie; Clemence Metonnou; Virginie Mongbo; Charles Sossa Jerome; Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh; Edgard-Marius Ouendo

doi:doi:10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21

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Analysis of Knowledge, Practices and Determinants of Formal Healthcare-seeking for Malaria Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Benin in 2023

Lamidhi Salami^*

, Vignon Bedie

, Clemence Metonnou

, Virginie Mongbo

, Charles Sossa Jerome

, Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh

, Edgard-Marius Ouendo

Published in Central African Journal of Public Health (Volume 11, Issue 6)

Received: 31 October 2025 Accepted: 17 November 2025 Published: 24 December 2025

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Abstract

Introduction: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Benin, especially among children under five, despite the implementation of proven prevention and management strategies. Given the persistent malaria burden, this study was conducted to analyse the knowledge and practices of mothers of under-five children regarding malaria, as well as the determinants of formal healthcare-seeking. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted among mothers of under-five children, selected from three villages in the commune of Zogbodomey, Benin. Data collected from mothers using a digitised questionnaire were used to classify knowledge, attitudes and practices as "good" or "insufficient" based on the mean scores obtained. Determinants of healthcare-seeking were explored using univariate and multivariate regression at a 5% significance level. Results: The majority of the 208 mothers (92.79%) had good knowledge about malaria, and 100% exhibited positive attitudes towards its prevention. However, only 66.83% actually adopted good practices. After adjustment, the variables that remained significantly associated with healthcare-seeking were: knowledge of malaria transmission modes (OR= 4.64; 95% CI= [1.03-20.90]), and mother’s occupation such as trader (OR=0.37; 95% CI= [0.18-0.75]), farmer (OR= 0.27; 95% CI= [0.09-0.82]) and craftswoman (OR= 0.23; 95% CI= [0.08-0.65]). Conclusion: Although the overall level of knowledge and attitudes among mothers is satisfactory, it does not yet translate into sustained, positive practices against malaria. Strengthening health education and promoting continuous behavioural support appear essential to enhance malaria control for children under five in Benin.

Published in	Central African Journal of Public Health (Volume 11, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21
Page(s)	420-431
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Malaria, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Determinant, Children Under Five, Benin

References

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[13]	Padonou GG, Gbenoudon JG, Osse R, Salako A, Kpanou C, Sagbohan H, et al. Knowledge-Attitudes-Practices about malaria in Southern Benin. Int J Public Health Sci. 2018; 7(3): 186. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijphs.v7i3.14395
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APA Style

Salami, L., Bedie, V., Metonnou, C., Mongbo, V., Jerome, C. S., et al. (2025). Analysis of Knowledge, Practices and Determinants of Formal Healthcare-seeking for Malaria Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Benin in 2023. Central African Journal of Public Health, 11(6), 420-431. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21

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ACS Style

Salami, L.; Bedie, V.; Metonnou, C.; Mongbo, V.; Jerome, C. S., et al. Analysis of Knowledge, Practices and Determinants of Formal Healthcare-seeking for Malaria Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Benin in 2023. Cent. Afr. J. Public Health 2025, 11(6), 420-431. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21

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AMA Style

Salami L, Bedie V, Metonnou C, Mongbo V, Jerome CS, et al. Analysis of Knowledge, Practices and Determinants of Formal Healthcare-seeking for Malaria Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Benin in 2023. Cent Afr J Public Health. 2025;11(6):420-431. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21

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@article{10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21,
  author = {Lamidhi Salami and Vignon Bedie and Clemence Metonnou and Virginie Mongbo and Charles Sossa Jerome and Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh and Edgard-Marius Ouendo},
  title = {Analysis of Knowledge, Practices and Determinants of Formal Healthcare-seeking for Malaria Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Benin in 2023},
  journal = {Central African Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {11},
  number = {6},
  pages = {420-431},
  doi = {10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.cajph.20251106.21},
  abstract = {Introduction: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Benin, especially among children under five, despite the implementation of proven prevention and management strategies. Given the persistent malaria burden, this study was conducted to analyse the knowledge and practices of mothers of under-five children regarding malaria, as well as the determinants of formal healthcare-seeking. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted among mothers of under-five children, selected from three villages in the commune of Zogbodomey, Benin. Data collected from mothers using a digitised questionnaire were used to classify knowledge, attitudes and practices as "good" or "insufficient" based on the mean scores obtained. Determinants of healthcare-seeking were explored using univariate and multivariate regression at a 5% significance level. Results: The majority of the 208 mothers (92.79%) had good knowledge about malaria, and 100% exhibited positive attitudes towards its prevention. However, only 66.83% actually adopted good practices. After adjustment, the variables that remained significantly associated with healthcare-seeking were: knowledge of malaria transmission modes (OR= 4.64; 95% CI= [1.03-20.90]), and mother’s occupation such as trader (OR=0.37; 95% CI= [0.18-0.75]), farmer (OR= 0.27; 95% CI= [0.09-0.82]) and craftswoman (OR= 0.23; 95% CI= [0.08-0.65]). Conclusion: Although the overall level of knowledge and attitudes among mothers is satisfactory, it does not yet translate into sustained, positive practices against malaria. Strengthening health education and promoting continuous behavioural support appear essential to enhance malaria control for children under five in Benin.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Analysis of Knowledge, Practices and Determinants of Formal Healthcare-seeking for Malaria Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Benin in 2023
AU  - Lamidhi Salami
AU  - Vignon Bedie
AU  - Clemence Metonnou
AU  - Virginie Mongbo
AU  - Charles Sossa Jerome
AU  - Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh
AU  - Edgard-Marius Ouendo
Y1  - 2025/12/24
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21
DO  - 10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21
T2  - Central African Journal of Public Health
JF  - Central African Journal of Public Health
JO  - Central African Journal of Public Health
SP  - 420
EP  - 431
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5781
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21
AB  - Introduction: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Benin, especially among children under five, despite the implementation of proven prevention and management strategies. Given the persistent malaria burden, this study was conducted to analyse the knowledge and practices of mothers of under-five children regarding malaria, as well as the determinants of formal healthcare-seeking. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted among mothers of under-five children, selected from three villages in the commune of Zogbodomey, Benin. Data collected from mothers using a digitised questionnaire were used to classify knowledge, attitudes and practices as "good" or "insufficient" based on the mean scores obtained. Determinants of healthcare-seeking were explored using univariate and multivariate regression at a 5% significance level. Results: The majority of the 208 mothers (92.79%) had good knowledge about malaria, and 100% exhibited positive attitudes towards its prevention. However, only 66.83% actually adopted good practices. After adjustment, the variables that remained significantly associated with healthcare-seeking were: knowledge of malaria transmission modes (OR= 4.64; 95% CI= [1.03-20.90]), and mother’s occupation such as trader (OR=0.37; 95% CI= [0.18-0.75]), farmer (OR= 0.27; 95% CI= [0.09-0.82]) and craftswoman (OR= 0.23; 95% CI= [0.08-0.65]). Conclusion: Although the overall level of knowledge and attitudes among mothers is satisfactory, it does not yet translate into sustained, positive practices against malaria. Strengthening health education and promoting continuous behavioural support appear essential to enhance malaria control for children under five in Benin.
VL  - 11
IS  - 6
ER  -

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Author Information

Lamidhi Salami

Health Policy and Systems Department of Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3261-3173
Vignon Bedie

Health Policy and Systems Department of Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3121-9550
Clemence Metonnou

Health Promotion Department of Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3637-9289
Virginie Mongbo

Health Policy and Systems Department of Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-3339
Charles Sossa Jerome

Health Promotion Department of Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5886-2875
Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh

Environmental Health Department of Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1237-1047
Edgard-Marius Ouendo

Health Policy and Systems Department of Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3832-939X

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APA Style

Salami, L., Bedie, V., Metonnou, C., Mongbo, V., Jerome, C. S., et al. (2025). Analysis of Knowledge, Practices and Determinants of Formal Healthcare-seeking for Malaria Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Benin in 2023. Central African Journal of Public Health, 11(6), 420-431. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21

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ACS Style

Salami, L.; Bedie, V.; Metonnou, C.; Mongbo, V.; Jerome, C. S., et al. Analysis of Knowledge, Practices and Determinants of Formal Healthcare-seeking for Malaria Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Benin in 2023. Cent. Afr. J. Public Health 2025, 11(6), 420-431. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21

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AMA Style

Salami L, Bedie V, Metonnou C, Mongbo V, Jerome CS, et al. Analysis of Knowledge, Practices and Determinants of Formal Healthcare-seeking for Malaria Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Benin in 2023. Cent Afr J Public Health. 2025;11(6):420-431. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21

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@article{10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21,
  author = {Lamidhi Salami and Vignon Bedie and Clemence Metonnou and Virginie Mongbo and Charles Sossa Jerome and Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh and Edgard-Marius Ouendo},
  title = {Analysis of Knowledge, Practices and Determinants of Formal Healthcare-seeking for Malaria Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Benin in 2023},
  journal = {Central African Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {11},
  number = {6},
  pages = {420-431},
  doi = {10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.cajph.20251106.21},
  abstract = {Introduction: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Benin, especially among children under five, despite the implementation of proven prevention and management strategies. Given the persistent malaria burden, this study was conducted to analyse the knowledge and practices of mothers of under-five children regarding malaria, as well as the determinants of formal healthcare-seeking. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted among mothers of under-five children, selected from three villages in the commune of Zogbodomey, Benin. Data collected from mothers using a digitised questionnaire were used to classify knowledge, attitudes and practices as "good" or "insufficient" based on the mean scores obtained. Determinants of healthcare-seeking were explored using univariate and multivariate regression at a 5% significance level. Results: The majority of the 208 mothers (92.79%) had good knowledge about malaria, and 100% exhibited positive attitudes towards its prevention. However, only 66.83% actually adopted good practices. After adjustment, the variables that remained significantly associated with healthcare-seeking were: knowledge of malaria transmission modes (OR= 4.64; 95% CI= [1.03-20.90]), and mother’s occupation such as trader (OR=0.37; 95% CI= [0.18-0.75]), farmer (OR= 0.27; 95% CI= [0.09-0.82]) and craftswoman (OR= 0.23; 95% CI= [0.08-0.65]). Conclusion: Although the overall level of knowledge and attitudes among mothers is satisfactory, it does not yet translate into sustained, positive practices against malaria. Strengthening health education and promoting continuous behavioural support appear essential to enhance malaria control for children under five in Benin.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Analysis of Knowledge, Practices and Determinants of Formal Healthcare-seeking for Malaria Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Benin in 2023
AU  - Lamidhi Salami
AU  - Vignon Bedie
AU  - Clemence Metonnou
AU  - Virginie Mongbo
AU  - Charles Sossa Jerome
AU  - Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh
AU  - Edgard-Marius Ouendo
Y1  - 2025/12/24
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21
DO  - 10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21
T2  - Central African Journal of Public Health
JF  - Central African Journal of Public Health
JO  - Central African Journal of Public Health
SP  - 420
EP  - 431
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5781
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251106.21
AB  - Introduction: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Benin, especially among children under five, despite the implementation of proven prevention and management strategies. Given the persistent malaria burden, this study was conducted to analyse the knowledge and practices of mothers of under-five children regarding malaria, as well as the determinants of formal healthcare-seeking. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted among mothers of under-five children, selected from three villages in the commune of Zogbodomey, Benin. Data collected from mothers using a digitised questionnaire were used to classify knowledge, attitudes and practices as "good" or "insufficient" based on the mean scores obtained. Determinants of healthcare-seeking were explored using univariate and multivariate regression at a 5% significance level. Results: The majority of the 208 mothers (92.79%) had good knowledge about malaria, and 100% exhibited positive attitudes towards its prevention. However, only 66.83% actually adopted good practices. After adjustment, the variables that remained significantly associated with healthcare-seeking were: knowledge of malaria transmission modes (OR= 4.64; 95% CI= [1.03-20.90]), and mother’s occupation such as trader (OR=0.37; 95% CI= [0.18-0.75]), farmer (OR= 0.27; 95% CI= [0.09-0.82]) and craftswoman (OR= 0.23; 95% CI= [0.08-0.65]). Conclusion: Although the overall level of knowledge and attitudes among mothers is satisfactory, it does not yet translate into sustained, positive practices against malaria. Strengthening health education and promoting continuous behavioural support appear essential to enhance malaria control for children under five in Benin.
VL  - 11
IS  - 6
ER  -

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