Household Environment and Malaria in Pregnancy in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria in pregnancy, which enormously creates substantial risks for the mother and her fetus, is a public health problem in Nigeria. Design and Methods: Through questionnaire administration, this cross-sectional survey investigates the influence of the household environment on malaria preventive and treatment behaviors among 300 pregnant women in two selected areas of Oyo State, Nigeria. In addition, four focus group discussions and four in-depth interviews were conducted, all between October 2015 and March, 2016. Results: Findings from the study indicate a positive relationship between income level (P = 0.000), educational level (P = 0.000) and preventive behavior and perception of malaria. There, however, is a negative relationship (P = 0.122) between place of residence and number of malaria episodes of the respondents. A high awareness on the cause of Malaria was recorded in this study, while a low awareness on the consequences of malaria infection in Pregnancy was visible. Conclusion and Recommendation: The household environment of pregnant women was found a key predictor in the prevention and treatment of malaria in both rural and urban areas of Oyo State Nigeria. Nationwide programme aimed at reducing malaria especially among pregnant women is needed in Nigeria.