Knowledge and Practice of Malaria Prevention/Control Among Pregnant Women in Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria

The morbidity and mortality from malaria are still unacceptably high in the developing countries, especially among the vulnerable groups like pregnant women, despite all control efforts. The knowledge about the preventive measures of malaria is an important preceding factor for the acceptance and use of malaria preventive measures by community members. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge and practices malaria among pregnant women in Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, Imo State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population of the study were 8,973 pregnant women that visited the hospital during the time of study with a sample size of 1021. During ante natal visit or at delivery, self-constructed and validated questionnaire were given to the pregnant women to get information regarding knowledge and practices of malaria prevention amongst this group. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Associations between variables were tested using a Chi-square with the level of statistical significance set at 5%. The findings revealed that 77.5% of the respondents had knowledge of the causes of malaria. Surprisingly 71.8% still believe that malaria is caused by so much intake of fried and/oily meals. 72.8% of the respondents had knowledge of the signs and symptoms of malaria of which fever, loss of appetite, change of skin colour and body/joint pain were rated higher. 77.4% indicated that malaria is transmitted through mosquito bite. Majority (74.9%) of the respondents had knowledge of preventive measures of malaria of which use of insecticide spray, use of antimalaria drugs, use of mosquito nets, closing of windows and doors, cutting of grasses near the compound and use of protective clothing were rated higher. Few (40%) of the respondents had knowledge of use of periodic fumigation as a preventive measure of malaria. Very few (28.5%) of the respondents had knowledge of the consequences of malaria during pregnancy. Very few (19.4%) always engage in activities to prevent/control malaria, 48.7 % indicated that they sometimes engage in activities to prevent malaria whereas 43.5% never engaged in any activity to prevent malaria. The study went further to compare associations between knowledge and practices of malaria prevention. The finding revealed significant association between malaria knowledge and malaria practices (X2  = 65.87; P < 0.05). Although respondents exhibited knowledge of causes, mode of transmission, signs and preventive measures of malaria but they lack knowledge on consequences of malaria during pregnancy. Some also believe that malaria is caused by too much intake of oily and fried foods and also staying under the sun for too long. Thus, there is need to raise awareness and also educate all women of childbearing age about preventing malaria during pregnancy.

Keywords: Knowledge, practice, malaria, malaria prevention/control, pregnant women.