Attitudes and self-practices of pregnant women towards malaria prevention and control in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria has become a serious health problem to developing countries leading to death of pregnant women. Regular evaluation of attitudes towards malaria disease and understanding of malaria-related practices are essential for prevention and control of the disease in endemic areas such as Nigeria. Objective: This study was aimed at investigating the attitudes and self-practices of pregnant women towards malaria prevention and control. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using 404 pregnant women receiving antenatal care from 10 hospitals in Nsukka, Nigeria. We used a 14-item scale to assess their attitude and 10 point scale for self- practices towards malaria prevention and control. Results: Our results showed that 81.4 % of the pregnant women had either secondary or tertiary education and 97 % of them were married. About 51% and 49% of pregnant women had negative and positive attitude towards malaria prevention and control respectively. Pregnant women with low self-practice account for 59% while 41% of them had high self-practice in malaria prevention and control. Conclusion: Pregnant women in Nsukka had negative attitude and a corresponding low self-practice towards malaria prevention and control. Training on good malaria prevention practices is necessary for the pregnant women.