Utilization and Effectiveness of Malaria Prevention Methods Among Pregnant Women in Tertiary Hospital Situated in Rural Community of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: National surveys indicate that among countries in Africa where malaria is endemic, Nigeria alone accounts for 21% of pregnancies that are unprotected from malaria. This study aimed to ascertain the extent of utilization and effectiveness of malaria prevention methods, found out the existing relationship between maternal parasitaemia and the effectiveness of these methods at (p<0.05) level of signicance.Methods: The study was a cross sectional survey involving 264 consenting pregnant women who were recruited at booking clinic at Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido -Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on their socio-demographic characteristics, mode and extent of utilization of malaria prevention methods and their effectiveness. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for malaria parasitaemia using the microscopy. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 Results:The malaria prevention methods most commonly reported as being effective were the Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) or both, which were utilized by 97(36.5%), 79 (30.0%) and 88 (33.4%) participants respectively. Eight (8.3%), 9 (10.8%), and 7 (7.9%) of the participants that used ITNs, IRS or both combination respectively tested positive for malaria parasitaemia. There was a statistically signicant association between maternal parasitaemia and malaria prevention methods using ITNs (p=0.001), IRS (p = 0.001) or both (p = 0.001).Conclusion: The most commonly adopted malaria prevention methods were ITNs, Indoor Residual Spray or both. Despite their protective effectiveness, their utilizations are still poor. Information and communication strategies by the stakeholders are suggested to improve the utilization of these methods as adopted by other countries.

Malaria infection and its association with socio-demographics, preventive measures, and co-morbid ailments among adult febrile patients in rural Southwestern Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

“…However, malaria peak season occurs during the wet season with P. falciparum being the major causative agent. 12 The institution offers secondary and tertiary care to the people in the locality and its neighborhood states. The institution was accredited for the training of resident doctors in family medicine and other core clinical specialties.…”

“…Furthermore, a better understanding of the relationship between malaria infection and socio-demographic factors related to poverty is needed because the financial protection necessary to combat this menace is a major challenge for people in rural Southwestern Nigeria. 12,14,18…”

“…2,10,11 In Southwestern and other parts of Nigeria, there are several approaches that have been recommended for the prevention and control of malaria in their localities. 12,13 These include the use of LLINs, insecticide sprays, mosquito repellent creams, and window nets. In pregnant women, the use of intermittent preventive treatment and prompt access to effective case management have been included.…”

“…[14][15][16] Since 2000 when Nigeria adopted some of these measures against malaria, several researchers have reported the low utilization of these strategies. 12,13 A study in Southwestern Nigeria regarding the practice of malaria control in a specific area showed that the majority of respondents had household members who failed to use the control method appropriately. 13,16 Available literature on the utilization and effectiveness of malaria prevention methods in health institutions in Nigeria has been restricted to urban settings.…”