Knowledge and Utilization of Malaria Preventive Measure among Pregnant Women in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu State, Nigeria
Abstract:
Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially among pregnant women, who are at high risk for severe malaria and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Malaria prevention through the use of Insecticide treated nets (ITNs) Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT), and other measures is recommended. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and utilization of malaria preventive measures among pregnant women attending antenatal care at University of Nigeria teaching hospital (UNTH) Enugu. A Cross-Sectional Study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at UNTH Enugu. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and information on demographic characteristics, knowledge, and utilization of malaria preventive measures were obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The study included 200 pregnant women, with a mean age of 28.4 years. A significant proportion (70%) of participants demonstrated good knowledge of malaria and its preventive measures. However, only 55% of them reported regular use of ITNs, and 40% adhered to IPT protocols. Factors such as age, education level, and marital status were significantly associated with the utilization of preventive measures. While knowledge of malaria prevention among pregnant women in UNTH is high, the utilization of preventive measures is suboptimal. There is a need for targeted interventions to improve adherence to malaria prevention strategies.References:
[1]. World Health Organization. Guidelines for
malaria in pregnancy. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021.
[2]. Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria. National
Malaria Elimination Programme strategic plan. Abuja (Nigeria): Federal Ministry
of Health; 2020.
[3]. Menéndez C. Malaria in pregnancy in areas of
stable transmission. 2000.
[4]. Djabanor J, Quansah D, Asante D. Effects of
malaria in pregnancy (MiP) on pregnancy development and its outcome: a critical
review. J Appl Biol Biotechnol. 2017;5(2):8-16.
[5]. World Health Organization. WHO policy on
intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp). Geneva: World
Health Organization.
[6]. Adebayo AM, Akinyemi OO. Awareness and use of
malaria preventive measures among pregnant women. Malar Res Treat.
2019;2019:1-8.
[7]. Okonkwo PI, et al. Knowledge and practices
regarding malaria prevention among pregnant women in South East Nigeria. Int J
Trop Med. 2019;13(2):34-40.
[8]. Ojurongbe O, et al. Factors influencing the
utilization of malaria preventive measures in pregnancy in Nigeria. J Public
Health Epidemiol. 2020;12(1):22-30.
[9]. Akaba GO, Otubu JAM, Agida ET, Onafowokan O.
Knowledge and utilization of malaria preventive measures among pregnant women
at a tertiary hospital. Niger J Clin Pract. 2013;16(2):201-6.
[10]. Ezeama NN, et al. Knowledge and utilization of
malaria preventive measures among pregnant women in Nigeria. Afr Health Sci.
2021;21(3):1120-8.
[11]. Okafor I, et al. Barriers to IPTp uptake in
Nigeria. Afr Health Sci. 2018.
[12]. Diala C, et al. Cultural beliefs and malaria
prevention in Nigeria. 2013.
[13]. World Health Organization. WHO policy on
intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp). Geneva: World
Health Organization.
[14]. Tagbor H, et al. Intermittent screening and
treatment in pregnancy. 2015.
[15]. Akinleye SO, Falade CO, Ajayi IO. Knowledge
and utilization of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria among pregnant
women attending primary health centres in rural Southwest Nigeria. BMC
Pregnancy Childbirth. 2009;9:28.
[16]. Oladimeji KE, Tsoka-Gwegweni JM, Ojewole E.
Knowledge of malaria prevention among pregnant women and non-pregnant mothers
of children under 5 years in Ibadan, Nigeria. Malar J. 2019;18:92.
[17]. Onwujekwe OC, et al. Patterns of case
management and chemoprevention for malaria in pregnancy: evidence from Nigeria.
2012.
[18]. Ojurongbe O, et al. Utilization of malaria
preventive strategies in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health.
2020;20:123.
[19]. Okafor CJ, Ogbonnaya NP. Knowledge,
accessibility, and utilization of insecticide-treated nets among pregnant women
in a selected hospital in South-Eastern Nigeria. 2020.
[20]. Tutu E, et al. Use of long-lasting
insecticide-treated nets among pregnant women in West Africa. 2011.
[21]. World Health Organization. WHO policy on
intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp). Geneva: World
Health Organization.
[22]. Okafor I, et al. Barriers to IPTp uptake in
Nigeria. Afr Health Sci. 2018.
[23]. World Health Organization. World malaria
report 2023. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2023.
[24]. National Malaria Elimination Programme.
Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey 2021 final report. Abuja (Nigeria): National
Malaria Elimination Programme; 2022.
[25]. Oyekale AS. Assessment of malaria prevention
knowledge and practices among pregnant women in Nigeria. BMC Public Health.
2022;22(1):1-10.
[26]. Fana SA, Bunza MDA, Anka SA, et al. Utilization of insecticide-treated nets among
pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Malar J.
2021;20(1):1-12.
[27]. Exavery A, Mbaruku G, Mbuyita S, et al.
Factors affecting uptake of optimal doses of IPTp-SP among pregnant women in
sub-Saharan Africa. Trop Med Int Health. 2021;26(6):713-22.
[28]. Ayanlade A, Jegede AS. Climate variability and
malaria transmission in Nigeria: implications for pregnant women. Environ
Health Insights. 2022;16:1-9.
[29]. Okedo-Alex IN, Akamike IC, Ezeanosike OB, et
al. Determinants of malaria preventive practices among pregnant women attending
antenatal clinics in Nigeria. PLoS One. 2023;18(4):e0283456.
[30]. Wanzira H, Katamba H, Rubahika D. Use of
malaria preventive interventions among pregnant women in Africa: a
meta-analysis. Infect Dis Poverty. 2021;10(1):1-14.
[31]. United Nations Children's Fund. Malaria
prevention and control among pregnant women and children. New York: UNICEF;
2022.
[32]. Iwu CJ, Yaya S, Wiysonge CS. Socioeconomic inequalities in malaria prevention among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(2):1-15.
