scholarly journals Knowledge and utilization of preventive measures in the control of neonatal malaria in south-eastern Nigeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uchechukwu M. Chukwuocha ◽  
Geoffrey C. Nwakwuo ◽  
Lawrence O. Alinnor

Background: The burden of neonatal malaria remains a major public health problem in Nigeria receiving less attention. Knowledge and awareness of preventive measures of neonatal malaria is still very low. This study aimed at assessing the Knowledge and utilization of preventive measures in the control of neonatal malaria in South-eastern Nigeria.Methods: Structured pretested questionnaires were used to collect data from 230 consenting pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Nigeria. These women were followed up until delivery and blood samples were taken from their new born for malaria parasite tests. Using SPSS, qualitative variables were summarized with proportions and chi-square test was used to investigate associations between qualitative variables.Results: There was high level of awareness on the use of malaria preventive measures by pregnant women in the control of neonatal malaria. A significant relationship between the use of malaria preventive measures and neonatal malaria was also shown. Over three-quarters (79.7%) of women had knowledge of malaria preventive measures during pregnancy. Use of anti-malarial prophylaxis (91.8%) followed by the use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) (49.5%) were practiced. ITNs were less (19.6%) used during pregnancy.  Most of them (57.8%) received single dose of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) using sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine during pregnancy, while 37% received two doses of IPT.Conclusion: More effort need to be made and support provided to women during pregnancy to encourage usage of preventive measures. There is also need to develop a health promotion package to eliminate factors discouraging the use of specific preventive measures like IPTp and ITNs.

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1279-1282
Author(s):  
R. Ali ◽  
M.A. Qadeer ◽  
B. Mohammed ◽  
A. Sarki

Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problem affecting women fetuses and new borns. Many studies highlight the critical importance of continuing the use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) and Intermittent Preventive Treatment In Pregnancy (IPTp) among pregnant women to reduce the adverse consequences of malaria in pregnancy. This study was conducted in order to determine malaria prevalence in relation to the use ofITN and IPTp among the pregnant women in the study area. Five (5) ml of blood was obtained from each participant by the use of a sterile syringe and placed in a sterile EDTA container for laboratory analysis. The malaria parasite was detected by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained thick blood films. Information on the use of ITN and IPTP was collected using administered questionnaire. A high prevalence of 78.4% was observed among the studied population. Although 74.4% of those that use ITN were positive for malaria parasite as against the 83.6% of those that reported not using the ITN, the difference was statistically not significant (p<0.05). 70.0% of those reported using IPTp were positive however, higher percentage was observed for those reported not using IPTp (83.7.0%). The difference was statistically significant in this case. This study has shown the influence of malaria prevention method during pregnancy on malaria infection and the need for targeted preventive starategies when  designing and implementing policies aimed at improving uptake of these measures during pregnancy in Gombe. Keywords: malaria, pregnant women, ITN, Gombe, IPTp  


Author(s):  
T. Kasso ◽  
I. L. Oboro ◽  
O. Maduka ◽  
A. T. O. Awopeju ◽  
N. I. Paul ◽  
...  

Background: Malaria is a serious public health problem in developing countries with Africa bearing most of its burden. Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria and it is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality/morbidity. Use of effective malaria preventive measures during pregnancy reduces its burden and complications. Aim: This was to determine malaria preventive practices used by pregnant women in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional study of pregnant women attending public and private health facilities in Akwa Ibom state. An informed written consent was obtained from the participants. Stratified sampling method was used in selecting the health facilities and the study participants. Information was obtained with pretested questionnaires by trained personnel with the aid of Open Data Kit (ODK) on android phones. Data was managed with SPSS 22.0 and P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were 935 participants in the study. Their mean age was 28.52 ± 5.09 years with 879 (94.0%) being married. Most had secondary and tertiary degrees: 451(48.2%) and 440(47.1%). Majority of them were traders/business women and self-employed (58.2%) while 7% were unemployed. Malaria preventive practices were use of window net, bed net and insecticides accounting for 659(71%), 447(48.2%) and 207(22.3%) respectively. There were 612 (65.5%) participants that received malaria drugs for prevention with 452(73.9%) receiving Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp) with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP). Only 296 (31.7%) of them slept under bed nets the night before the interview. Conclusion: Common preventive practices employed by pregnant women were IPTp with SP, window nets, ITNs and modified IRS. Majority of the women utilized widow nets, though not as effective as ITNs. Efforts should be intensified concerning awareness creation about the benefits of ITN use during pregnancy.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ekpoanwan Esienumoh ◽  
Margaret Mboho ◽  
Akon Ndiok

Background/Aims Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problem in Nigeria, along with high maternal morbidity, and fetal and neonatal mortality rates. Strategies for the control of malaria include the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs). Although some agencies distribute ITNs free of charge, some nets are not being used appropriately by pregnant women and other women of childbearing age. This study sought to empower pregnant women and women of childbearing age to take action to prevent malaria through the proper use of ITNs. Methods An action research design was used, which comprises cycles of fact-finding, planning and action, and reflection and evaluation. In collaboration with the action research group, 26 pregnant women or women of childbearing age were interviewed to gain an understanding of their perception of malaria and their use of ITNs. Seven community health extension workers and two primary health care coordinators were also interviewed. Observation sessions were held with eight women in their vegetable farms. Two focus group discussions were held with eight midwives and seven husbands. A total of 71 general participants and 13 action research group members were involved in the study. Data were thematically analysed and emphasis was laid on data that would promote learning and change. Conclusions The study revealed poor knowledge of the cause of malaria, non-compliance with the proper use of ITNs, diversionary use of ITNs and poor health intervention monitoring. Actions undertaken to empower the women towards the effective use of ITNs included community education, prenatal education, and advocacy discussions with government and relevant non-governmental agencies. Experiences gained from the study were reviewed and consolidated, and sustainability of actions planned.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-57
Author(s):  
Rushna Ghazi Abdulwahid ◽  
Hamdia Mirkhan Ahmed

Anemia in pregnancy is a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. Nutritional anemia is the most common type of anemia worldwide and mainly includes iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin C deficiencies. Iron deficiency contributes to half of the burden of anemia globally. The objectives of this study were to find out the prevalence and severity of anemia among pregnant women. A descriptive study was conducted on 600 pregnant women, during the period October 2015 to November 2016 at four primary health care centers in Erbil city. Data gathered through interview with study sample and filling questionnaire format and reviewing their antenatal records. Blood hemoglobin level was measured to assess the severity of anemia. Chi-square test and regression were used to analyze the data. Prevalence of anemia was 46.2%, and 67.1% of the anemic women had mild anemia. There was a significant association of severity of anemia with wife education and occupation, smoking, the number of abortions and cesarean section, ante partum hemorrhage, taking tablets of iron and folic acid per month. The study concluded that prevalence of anemia considered high in Erbil city, the highest percentage had mild anemia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 119-129
Author(s):  
James Ssekitooleko

Anemia during pregnancy is a major public health problem, with a global prevalence of 41.8%. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Information on the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among pregnant women in the study area is limited. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and predictors of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANC) in Kyenjojo and Kole Districts, Uganda. Cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected pregnant women. Quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire that captured demographic and obstetric characteristics. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was determined using HemoCue 201+. The study outcome was the prevalence of anaemia (Hb <11 g/dl). Chi-square, odds ratio, and logistic regression were used to test for associations. Of the total 760 pregnant women who participated in this study, 20.1% were anaemic. The prevalence varied from 13.4% in Kyenjojo to 26.9% in Kole District. Of 153 anaemic women, 121 (97%) were mildly anaemic, 27 (18%) moderately anemic, and 5(3%) severely anemic. Malaria infection [AOR: 0.46, 95% CI (0.26 – 0.83)], primigravida [AOR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.29-0.93], and residing in Kole [AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32-0.76] were significant predictors of low haemoglobin concentration. This study highlighted the high prevalence of anaemia in our settings and the significant association between anaemia and malaria among pregnant women. Therefore, routine screening of pregnant women for anemia, malaria, and other risk factors during their first ANC visit is recommended to identify those at risk and prompt management provided to curb their negative consequences.


2020 ◽  

Tuberculosis is one of the ten leading causes of death worldwide, and still represents a major public health problem in the Region of the Americas. The Region has made great strides in TB prevention and control; nevertheless, at the current rate of decline in the number of TB deaths and incidence of TB, the proposed targets and milestones needed to end TB will not be achieved. Countries must thus ramp up their efforts to meet these targets. Tuberculosis in the Americas: Regional Report presents the situation of tuberculosis in the Region, as well as the progress made by countries in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and elimination of TB under the framework of the End TB Strategy, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the commitments made at the high-level TB meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in 2018. Epidemiological analyses and programmatic data provide an overview of the TB situation in the Region, with emphasis on case detection, preventive treatment, treatment outcomes, drug-resistant TB, TB/HIV co-infection, and vulnerable groups, among other aspects. An analysis of TB funding in the Region is also included. The authors hope that this report will facilitate understanding of the situation of TB in the Region and serve as an example for similar country-level analyses, with a view to promoting better decision-making and ending TB.


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