Using "mother trainers" for malaria control: the Nigerian experience

Studies of care seeking in Nigeria show that a tremendous amount of treatment for malaria takes place at home and, in most instances, such treatments are incorrect. This deficiency is attributed to caregivers' poor knowledge of treatment. This study was designed to empower households to treat malaria correctly in partnership with community members. Selected mothers from study communities were trained as "mother trainers" and were expected to train other members of their communities using a treatment protocol. "Mother trainers" were acceptable to most communities and judged to be effective. They were enthusiastic and their participation in the study boosted their ego and status in the community. Drop-out-rate of "mother trainers" was 24.2%. A few limitations to the use of mothers as trainers that were identified are discussed. It is concluded that mothers have good potential to effectively carry out health education activities in the community if appropriately selected, trained, and supervised.