ABSTRACT

Between April and November 2008, studies on Malaria Knowledge Attitudes and Practices (KAP'S) of pregnant women in some sampled representing 120 type II respondents or pregnant women and 25 health personnel's treated with type I questionnaires. Questions bordering on knowledge of disease and caution, transmission, symptoms, predisposing factors as well as frequency of attendance; use of health facilities, willingness to participate in control programme and practices available to the women asked. Results showed that all residents in the area including pregnant women are familiar with the disease with all the type I respondents 25 (100%) and 90 (60%) the type II respondent attesting that malaria is the commonest cause of ill health. 56% and 44% of the type I respondents were able to relate symptoms to either malaria and pregnancy but 14% of the type I respondents reported that most of their client will not be able to distinguish between malaria and pregnancy symptoms especially in early pregnancy. Malaria is believed to be transmitted through exposure to too much sun's heat or hot condition 20 (16.7%), or eating of too much oily food 40 (33.3%), exposure to mosquito bites 50 (41.7%) and drinking of unclean water 10 (8.3%) whereas transfusion of infected blood attracted no responses. In pregnancy, the major complications commonly known were jaundice, IUD (Intra Uterine Deaths) miscarriage (Abortions) and anaemia. No existing malaria programme but subjects obtain health services from the health centres and hospitals available. However, the attitude to treatment, control of the disease as occasioned by frequency of attendance to hospitals are inadequate. (76%) of type I respondents indicated that their patients attend hospital fortnight and quarterly and usually during early pregnancy (29.7%), and in critical condition, 12.5% respondents will undertake routine checks. Fear of side effects are major reasons for rejection of drugs in addition to lack of money (poverty), occupation/time, distance, strike actions due to control measures/practices for the protection of subjects are discussed. Generally, women showed willingness to participate in control programmes. However malaria control programme are not yet feasible and bednet has not been fully implemented. Observations showed that people are familiar with mosquito nets. The need for health educational campaign in the area are highlighted.