Pregnancy Malaria: Predisposing Factors, Burden and Management in Agrarian Settlements Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate predisposing factors, burden and management of malaria amongst pregnant women in some agrarian settlements southeast Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey conducted in 4 randomly selected agrarian communities was conducted. Place and Duration of Study: Isi-Uzo Local Government Area (Eha-Amufu, Ikem, Mbu, Neke and Umualor). The study lasted six months. Methodology: A total of 385 respondents participated. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 4 randomly selected agrarian communities was conducted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: Obstetric and socio-demographic characteristics of the participants showed that majority were age-bracket 25-34 (42.6%), 1st trimester (56.4%) and multigravidae (52.8%), primary education group (32.2%), secondary education group (55.6%), farmers (73.1%) and Christians (93.5%). All the respondents (100%) agreed to the presence of overgrown bushes in their environs, many farming activities which is the main source of income and staying out late at night for relaxation. A high percentage of the women experienced fever (57.9), headache (61.6), cough & catarrh (54.5) and anorexia (53.8) monthly reflecting high malaria frequency in the locale. 20.3% had experienced stillbirth, 82.6% neonatal death and 65.5% infant mortality once, twice or more. And according to (58.7%) and (38.7%) of respondents, malaria moderately and highly affects their productivity during pregnancy respectively. Respondents that seek health/treatment in hospitals (50.9) differ insignificantly from those that seek health through traditional remedies (49.1). Cost of treatment was reported to be high and moderate by 31.9% and 65.5% respondents respectively. Poor health care delivery was implicated as major dissatisfaction with treatment by 76.4% of respondents. Conclusion: Malaria is a major health problem encountered by pregnant women in agrarian locales. Hence, girls should be exposed to malaria awareness programs an earlier stage of life.