Knowledge of malaria prevention among pregnant women and non-pregnant mothers of children aged under 5 years in Ibadan, South West Nigeria

Abstract

BackgroundAdequate knowledge of malaria prevention and control can help in reducing the growing burden of malaria among vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women and children aged under 5 years living in malaria endemic settings. Similar studies have been conducted but with less focus on these vulnerable groups. This study assessed knowledge of malaria prevention and control among the pregnant women and non-pregnant mothers of children aged under 5 years in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria.MethodsIn this cross sectional study, data on socio-demographic, clinical and knowledge on malaria prevention was collected using interviewer administered questionnaires from consenting study participants attending Adeoyo maternity hospital between May and November 2016. Data was described using percentages and compared across the two maternal groups in the study population. Knowledge scoring from collected data was computed using the variables on causes, symptoms and prevention of malaria and thereafter dichotomised. Multivariate analyses were used to assess the interactive effect of socio demographic and clinical characteristics with malaria knowledge. Level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsOf the 1373 women in the study, 59.6% (818) were pregnant women while 40.4% (555) were mothers of children aged under 5 years. The respondents mean age was 29 years ± 5.2. A considerable proportion of both the pregnant women (n = 494, 60.4%) and the non-pregnant mothers of children aged under 5 years (n = 254, 45.8%) did not have correct knowledge on malaria prevention measures based on our assessment threshold (p < 0.001). Having a tertiary level education was associated with better knowledge on malaria (4.20 ± 1.18, F = 16.80, p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that marital status, educational attainment, gravidity, and HIV status were significantly associated with knowledge of malaria prevention and control.ConclusionThe findings indicate that socio-demographic factors such as marital and educational status greatly influence knowledge on malaria prevention and control measures. Key health stakeholders and authorities need to implement strategies and direct resources to improve the knowledge of mothers on malaria prevention and control. This would stem the tides of malaria related deaths among pregnant women and children aged under 5 years.

Levels of knowledge regarding malaria causes, symptoms, and prevention measures among Malawian women of reproductive age

“…The current study revealed that educational status was also important variable which was significantly associated with knowledge on malaria among women of reproductive age. The finding of this study is in line with the studies that were conducted in Ghana [30], Nigeria [11], Burkina Faso and [22]. An explanation to this association may be due to the fact that educated mothers may not have problems to read and comprehend information concerning malaria.…”

“…It has been reported that people with low levels of individual health knowledge are greater than 2 times more likely to experience poor health outcomes [8]. Unfortunately, there are inconsistent and conflicting reports regarding the levels of Malaria knowledge and associated factors [9][10] [11] [12]. Previous studies have reported that women who reside in urban areas, women with better family monthly income, women who attended formal education have better knowledge regarding causes, signs and symptoms and preventive measures of malaria [10].…”

Levels of knowledge regarding malaria causes, symptoms, and prevention measures among Malawian women of reproductive age.

“…The current study showed that educational status was an important variable which was signi cantly associated with knowledge on malaria among women of reproductive age. The nding of this study are in line with the studies that were conducted in Nigeria [13], Burkina Faso [24] and Ghana [33]. An explanation of this association may be due to the fact that educated mothers may not have problems reading and comprehending information concerning malaria.…”

“…It has been reported that people with low levels of individual health knowledge are greater than two times more likely to experience poor health outcomes [10]. Unfortunately, there are inconsistent and con icting reports regarding the levels of malaria knowledge and associated factors worldwide [11][12][13][14]. Previous studies have reported that women who reside in urban areas, women with better family monthly income, women who attended formal education have better knowledge regarding causes, signs and symptoms and preventive measures of malaria [12].…”

Levels of knowledge regarding malaria causes, symptoms, and prevention measures among Malawian women of reproductive age.

“…The current study showed that educational status was also important variable which was signi cantly associated with knowledge on malaria among women of reproductive age. The nding of this study is in line with the studies that were conducted in Nigeria [13], Burkina Faso [24], and Ghana [33], An explanation to this association may be due to the fact that educated mothers may not have problems to read and comprehend information concerning malaria. Another reason might be that, highly educated women may reside in richest households and urban areas where distance to health facilities may not be a big problem [38].…”