Utilization of malaria preventive strategies among pregnant women at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Malaria in pregnancy is associated with a high rate of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Utilization of preventive strategies during pregnancy is an integral part of controlling the burden of malaria in pregnancy. This study evaluated the malaria preventive strategies utilized and the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among pregnant women at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital (AMTH), Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS: A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study among 223 pregnant women in Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Information on socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, malaria symptoms, and the preventive strategies utilized were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate analysis using chi-square test and multivariate analysis at 95% confidence interval and p30 years of age are protective factors against having malaria infection among pregnant women (AOR= 0.34; 95%, CI=0.14-0.84) and (AOR=0.31; 95% CI=0.13-0.76) respectively. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of all other malaria preventive strategies adopted by pregnant women, consistent use of ITN was independently a protective factor against developing malaria in pregnancy.