Table 2 Distribution of reported cases with a malaria episode and management of childhood malaria by caregivers in the preceding two weeks prior to the study period in Gilgel-Gibe dam area, southwestern Ethiopia, 2007

Children with a malaria episode in the past two weeks

('at-risk', n = 1003; 'control', n = 953)

21.8%

15.8%

1.49 (0.46-4.76)

0.483

Children receiving treatment

('at-risk', n = 159; 'control', n = 208)

75.5%

84.6%

0.56 (0.29-1.08)

0.079

The first action taken

('at-risk', n = 120; 'control', n = 176)

Took the child to health services

60.0%

68.8%

0.265

Treat with anti-malarials at home

35.8%

23.3%

Treat with herbs at home

2.5%

6.8%

Other

1.7%

1.1%

Use of anti-malarial remedies

('at-risk', n = 120; 'control', n = 179)

81.7%

79.3%

1.16 (0.29-4.65)

0.820

Type of anti-malarial(s) given

('at-risk', n = 98; 'control', n = 142)

Coartem^® (artemether-lumefantrine (AL))

56.1%

74.6%

0.392

Chloroquine (CQ)

34.7%

21.8%

Fansidar^® (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP))

9.2%

2.1%

Quinine (QN)

0.0%

1.4%

The child finished the dose

('at-risk', n = 142; 'control', n = 98))

Yes

95.9%

95.1%

1.22 (0.13-11.73)

0.853

Reasons for absence of treatment

('at-risk', n = 39; 'control', n = 32)

Lack of money

76.9%

53.1%

0.114

Health facility very far

5.2%

28.1%

Child not seriously ill

15.4%

18.8%

Others

2.6%

0.0%