Asian Research Journal of Current Science

This study assessed health communication strategies and malaria management among youths in Abraka Community, Delta State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study population comprised 9,000 youths, from which a sample of 421 respondents was selected using Taro Yamane’s sample size determination formula with an added attrition allowance. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by the researcher’s supervisor. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, mean scores and chi-square statistics were used for data analysis. The findings showed that the sample was fairly young, with 19.00% aged 18–20 years, 21.38% aged 21–25 years and 22.57% aged 26–30 years. Gender distribution was almost balanced, with 49.88% male and 50.12% female respondents. Most respondents were single (57.01%), while 23.75% were married. The results indicated that malaria remained a notable health concern among youths in Abraka, as respondents reported recent malaria symptoms and perceived increasing malaria cases in the community. Awareness of malaria prevention and treatment methods was moderate, with an overall mean score of 2.748 (SD = 0.427). Health communication campaigns also moderately increased awareness and confidence in prevention, with a mean score of 2.737 (SD = 0.663). The study concludes that health communication campaigns have contributed positively to malaria prevention awareness and treatment-related confidence, but stronger community-based engagement is required to improve consistent preventive practices and timely care-seeking.