Abstract: Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Rwanda. Despite nationwide interventions such as long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), utilization of malaria preventive measures remains inadequate in some high-burden areas. Rusizi District, characterized by wetlands and irrigated agriculture, continues to experience persistent malaria transmission. Understanding factors influencing caregivers’ utilization of malaria preventive measures is essential for designing context-specific interventions to reduce malaria incidence and improve child health outcomes. This study assessed factors influencing the utilization of malaria preventive measures among caregivers of children under five years in Rusizi District, Rwanda, in 2025. Specifically, it examined the level of utilization, socio-demographic determinants, caregivers’ knowledge of malaria prevention, and environmental and household factors associated with preventive practices. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed among caregivers of children under five years who had resided in Rusizi District for at least six months. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 384 participants from selected sectors and villages. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics summarized utilization and knowledge levels, while bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with utilization. Statistical significance was determined at p < .05. Findings were presented using tables and graphs. High utilization of malaria preventive measures was reported in 24.7% of households. Ownership of at least one mosquito net was 99%, while 97.7% of children under five reportedly slept under mosquito nets regularly. Chi-square analysis showed significant associations between utilization and caregivers’ age, marital status, education level, occupation, household size, presence of stagnant water nearby, house wall type, screened windows or doors, and participation in community health education sessions. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that education level, occupation, household size, and environmental factors were independent predictors of high utilization (p < .05). The model explained 44.6% of the variance in utilization (Nagelkerke R² = .446). Although mosquito net ownership is nearly universal, effective utilization of malaria preventive measures remains low. Strengthening caregiver education, environmental management, and community health education is necessary to enhance malaria prevention among households with children under five years in Rusizi District.
Keywords: Malaria, Preventive Measures, Caregivers, Children, Under Five Years, Rusizi District, Rwanda.
Title: Factors Influencing the Utilization of Malaria Preventive Measures among Caregivers of Children Under Five Years in Rusizi District, Rwanda, 2025
Author: Juvenal NISHIMWE, Dr. HABIMANA Amos, Dr. Clemence NISHIMWE
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026
Page No: 372-384
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 30-June-2026
