[Perceptions of parental participation by health professionals in childhood malaria control in Benin].
The aim of this study was to explore and document the perceptions of health professionals regarding parental participation in the fight against child malaria, specifically with regard to fever management, in Benin (West Africa). The findings indicate that community participation in Malaria control in general, and in the case of children in particular, is essential due to the contributing factors surrounding the disease. This form of participation is different from the one recommended and practiced within the structure of the National Health system. Deep-seated, thorough reform of health care program planning is necessary in order to contribute to the improvement of the population's participation in this process. The concept of health promotion was used to frame and shed light on the analysis of the proposed recommendations. Parents' participation, one that integrates their perceptions and depictions of child fever, is not currently a reality in Benin; the study revealed that the participants seek out and request the development of skills necessary that could enable them to better contribute to the fight against malaria.
Houéto
David
D
Université Catholique de Louvain, Ecole de santé publique, Unité d'education pour la santé, Avenue Mounier 50, B-1200 Bruxelles, Belgique.
d'Hoore
William
W
Deccache
Alain
A
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001541:Benin; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D010358:Patient Participation