Utilization of control measures for malaria among pregnant women in Oyi LGA

Abstract

The incidence of malaria among pregnant women malaria poses health risk to the life of the unborn baby. This has raised concerns as to whether the pregnant women utilize the measures for controlling malaria. The purpose of the study was to ascertaining the utilization of control measures for malaria among pregnant women in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. Two research questions gave direction to the study. Survey research design was used for the study. The sample for the study consisted of 200 pregnant women obtained through accidental sampling techniques were used. 16-item questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection after validation by three experts. The findings revealed that while many pregnant women do not utilize prophylaxis as a control measure for malaria, many others utilize environmental management, vector control and personal control measures of malaria. In line with the findings of the study, it was recommended that ministry of health should make conscious efforts in highlighting the added benefit of using malaria preventive measures such as prophylaxis during pregnancy as a deliberate strategy to protect the new born against malaria infections.