Knowledge Attitude Practice of Malaria Preventive Measures Amongst Attendees of ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane Enugu

Abstract

Aims: To determine the knowledge of malaria and its preventive measures among antenatal attendees of ESUT Teaching Hospital,to determine the preventive measures taken to prevent malaria,To determine the factors that influence their preventive practices towards malaria.  Study Design: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted using interviewer-administered questionnaire.  Place and Duration of Study: The study area is antenatal ward situated in ESUT Teaching Hospital, which is located in Parklane GRA, Enugu, Nigeria, between June and July 2019.  Methodology: We included willing antenatal attendees of ESUT Teaching Hospital from the age of 15 irrespective of their gestational age of pregnancy. A total of 360 pregnant women participated in the study.  Results: Out of 355 questionnaires that were distributed only 323 were recovered, giving a response rate of 90.99%.The overall knowledge of the cause of malaria was relatively good, as 310 (96%) respondents believed that it was caused by mosquito bite, while only a few 38 (14.5%) did not know the cause.Also,more younger respondents 156 (90.7%) were knowledgeable about the use of Insecticides Treated Nets (ITNs) and Intermittent Preventive Therapy(IPT)in the prevention of malaria with p = 0.031 and p=0.001 respectively.  Conclusion: We were able to deduct that majority of the pregnant women who participated in the study had a good knowledge of cause of malaria and it's effect on the unborn child,however the practice varies amongst individual and dependents on various factors including age,educational level,occupation and religious beliefs. Thus, we are recommending the government to make insecticide treated nets and insecticides readily accessible, in addition, health care providers should reinforce their health talks on the need to use insecticide treated nets while pregnant.