Gedif, Teferi (PhD)Mussa, Seid2022-04-132023-11-062022-04-132023-11-062009-07http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/31302Background: Malaria is a major public health problem and the leading communicable disease in Ethiopia. Interruption of contact between humans and mosquitoes through the use of insecticidetreated bed nets (ITNs) is a promising approach to protect people from malaria infection. Treatment failures and mortality due to malaria has risen in recent years, probably due to increasing resistance to anti-malarial medicines. Improper drug storage and rampant selfmedication are some of the factors that may contribute to an increase in the development of drug resistance by malaria parasites towards anti-malarials. Study objective: To assess the utilization pattern of anti-malarial drugs, and mosquito net coverage in Pawe special Woreda, Beneshangul-Gumuz National Regional State. Methodology: The study was conducted in Pawe Special Woreda, Beneshangul-Gumuz Regional State between August and September 2008. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in the data collection. Qualitative methods employed include focus group discussions and key-informant interviews. The quantitative method used is a community based cross-sectional household survey. The study utilized a trained interviewer administered questionnaire for data collection. Data was collected primarily from mothers. Quantitative data was entered using EPI-Info software Version 6.04 and analyzed by SPSS version 11 statistical packages. Qualitative data were analysed through thematic content analysis in an attempt to answer key questions of the study. Results: Perceived malaria prevalence was found to be 6.1 %. Sixty nine, (38.8%) of those with reported malaria/symptom complexes in the last two weeks preceding the interview date se lfmedicated themselves with anti-malarials. Households with a family size of less than or equal to 5 persons (OR=0.47, CI=0.25, 0.90, P=0.02) were less likely to self-care with anti-malarials than those with a family size of more than 5 persons.enAnti-Malarial DrugThesis