Stella O Akinleye1, Ikeoluwapo O Ajayi. 1. Department of Epidemiology, Medical Statistics and Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. stellakinleye@yahoo.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study determined the level of knowledge of malaria and preventive measures among pregnant women and its influence on the uptake of preventive measures. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 209 participants selected from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in primary healthcare centres in Irepodun/Ifelodun, a local government area in Ekiti state, Nigeria. RESULTS: Knowledge of malaria was found to be very good, average and poor among two (1.0%), 165 (78.9%) and 42 (20.1%) respondents, respectively. Of the 109 (52.2%) respondents who had heard about intermittent preventive treatment, eight (7.3%) scored "very good" on knowledge, while 53 (48.6%) and 48 (44.1%) scored "average" and "poor," respectively. Of the 144 (68.9%) respondents who had heard about insecticide-treated nets, 95 (66.0%) scored "good" on knowledge, while 49 (34.0%) scored "poor." Factors that significantly influenced knowledge about malaria were occupation, level of education, months at first appearance at antenatal clinic and transportation cost. Knowledge significantly influenced uptake of insecticide-treated nets and intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy ( p < .05). CONCLUSION: There is a need to intensify efforts to provide health education on malaria and preventive measures as well as to encourage preventive practices among pregnant women.
OBJECTIVE: This study determined the level of knowledge of malaria and preventive measures among pregnant women and its influence on the uptake of preventive measures. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 209 participants selected from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in primary healthcare centres in Irepodun/Ifelodun, a local government area in Ekiti state, Nigeria. RESULTS: Knowledge of malaria was found to be very good, average and poor among two (1.0%), 165 (78.9%) and 42 (20.1%) respondents, respectively. Of the 109 (52.2%) respondents who had heard about intermittent preventive treatment, eight (7.3%) scored "very good" on knowledge, while 53 (48.6%) and 48 (44.1%) scored "average" and "poor," respectively. Of the 144 (68.9%) respondents who had heard about insecticide-treated nets, 95 (66.0%) scored "good" on knowledge, while 49 (34.0%) scored "poor." Factors that significantly influenced knowledge about malaria were occupation, level of education, months at first appearance at antenatal clinic and transportation cost. Knowledge significantly influenced uptake of insecticide-treated nets and intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy ( p < .05). CONCLUSION: There is a need to intensify efforts to provide health education on malaria and preventive measures as well as to encourage preventive practices among pregnant women.
Authors: David Musoke; George Karani; John C Ssempebwa; Samuel Etajak; David Guwatudde; Miph B Musoke Journal: Afr Health Sci Date: 2015-06 Impact factor: 0.927
Authors: Claude Ngwayu Nkfusai; Samuel Nambile Cumber; Fala Bede; Tabe Armstrong Tambe; Joyce Mahlako Tsoka-Gwegweni Journal: Pan Afr Med J Date: 2019-06-24