ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH EDUCATION STRATEGY ON MALARIA PREVENTION AND PRACTICES AMONG HOUSEHOLD DWELLERS IN KANO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, accounting for approximately 27% of global cases and 32% of malaria-related deaths. Despite decades of control efforts, the gap between awareness and consistent preventive practices persists, particularly in urban settings like Kano Metropolis. This study assessed the level of malaria prevention practices, the influence of health education awareness strategy, and the impact of health-seeking behaviour on malaria prevention among household dwellers in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 386 household dwellers selected from eight Local Government Areas of Kano Metropolis using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographics, malaria prevention practices, health education awareness, and health-seeking behaviour. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (one-sample t-tests, independent t-tests) were employed at α=0.05.The level of malaria prevention practices was significantly high (grand mean=3.39; t=10.39, p<.001). However, health education awareness strategy showed no significant correlation with prevention practices (t=-0.27, p=.979), revealing a critical awareness-behaviour gap. Health-seeking behaviour significantly influenced prevention (t=2.043, p<.042). ITN ownership was 55.9%, while 44.1% of households lacked nets. Health education in Kano Metropolis has improved awareness but failed to translate into consistent preventive practices due to systemic barriers including inadequate ITN coverage and poor health-seeking behaviour. Comprehensive behaviour change strategies addressing economic, cultural, and health system barriers are urgently needed.