Childhood fever in a zone of malaria prevalence in Benin: Qualitative analysis of factors linked to seeking care

In Benin, mothers usually go to health facilities when childhood malaria is already in its late stage (severe anaemia, convulsions, unconsciousness). This study was undertaken in a rural area of Benin through a community-based participation action-research aiming to control child malaria with a focus on parental participation. The aim of this research was to better understand the situation with regards to parents' perceptions and perspectives of childhood fever, care seeking behaviour and practices as well as factors that influence the choice of treatment among the various options. The parents were interviewed individually and in focus groups. Care seeking behaviour is strongly influenced by perceptions and personal opinions of childhood fever, which is considered as commonplace and not warranting care in a health centre. Severe malaria cases are perceived as a manifestation of the "bad eyes" and health facilities are consulted only as a last resort. Adequate child malaria control programmes must involve parents in order to take into account their perceptions of the implications of childhood fever.