Knowledge and Attitude of Pregnant Mothers Towards Malaria Management in Nsukka Local Government Area. Enugu State Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria infection during pregnancy is a major public health problem in Nigeria. This study assessed the Knowledge and attitude of pregnant mothers towards malaria management in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and March 2022, from the functional health facilities in Nsukka Local Government Area. A total number of 350 pregnant mothers participated. Data collection was done using self-structured pregnant mothers knowledge and Attitude Towards Malaria Management Scale. Descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, and multivariable logistic regression were used for analyses. The findings reveal that overall, pregnant mothers in the study had good knowledge of causes (91.7%) and control (93.1%) of malaria in Nsukka Enugu State South-East Nigeria. Pregnant mothers had positive attitudes towards: causes of malaria (62.7%), effects of malaria (70.8%), and control of malaria (76.6%). Place of residence, age, and level of education (p<.05) were statistically significantly associated with knowledge of malaria management among pregnant mothers. Place of residence and level of education (p<.05) were statistically significantly associated with attitude towards malaria management among pregnant mothers. This research proves that good knowledge and positive attitudes towards malaria management can help to reduce and control the incidence of the disease. However, provision of affordable healthcare facilities by government and improved patronage coupled with sound integration of health information and education policy would enhance and promote change of attitude, behaviour and practices that would help in combating malaria in the rural endemic settings.