ABSTRACT
Malaria remains a critical public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with pregnant women being particularly susceptible due to severe health implications for both mother and fetus. This study investigates the awareness of health promotion interventions for malaria prevention among pregnant women in the Iberekodo community of Abeokuta, Nigeria. Using a sample of 79 pregnant women, selected through purposeful sampling technique, data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. This study utilized the descriptive; a quantitative method of research design is used for data collection. The target population for this study consists primarily of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Iberekodo Community and there are about 98 pregnant women from diverse socio-demographic backgrounds attending the primary health care clinic at Iberekodo. A sample size of 79 respondents was drawn from the research population using Taro Yamane formula. A structured questionnaire with both close ended and open-ended questions was used as a research instrument to collect quantitative data to assess the level of awareness among pregnant women in the community regarding malaria prevention measures during early pregnancy. The study found that while there is an acceptable level of knowledge about the causes and consequences of malaria, awareness of preventive interventions such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is influenced by factors including limited access to information and cultural practices. The findings highlight the need for targeted health promotion programs to enhance awareness and utilization of malaria prevention strategies during pregnancy. Recommendations include increasing the visibility of ITN campaigns, engaging family members in health education, and incorporating counseling on ITN use into post-abortal care. Further qualitative studies are suggested to explore additional factors influencing ITN use among pregnant women.
Keywords: Malaria Prevention, Health Promotion, Pregnant Women, Iberekodo Community, Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs), Maternal Health, Public Health.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Title Page i
Declaration ii
Certification iii
Dedication iv
Acknowledgement v
Table of content vii
Abstract ix
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background to the Study 1
1.2
Statement of the Problem 2
1.3
Objectives of the Study 4
1.4
Research Questions 5
1.5
Research Hypothesis 5
1.6
Significance of the Study 5
1.7
Scope of the Study 6
1.8
Definition of Terms 7
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE
REVIEW
2.1 Conceptual
Review 9
2.1.1 Concept of Malaria in Pregnancy 9
2.1.2 Epidemiology 10
2.1.3 Pathogenesis 10
2.1.4 Mode
of Transmission 11
2.1.5 Incubation
Period 11
2.1.6 Clinical
Presentation 12
2.1.7 Risk
Factors 12
2.1.8 Awareness
on Impact of Health Promotion on 13
Malaria
Prevention during Early Pregnancy
2.2 Theoretical
Review 14
2.2.1 Application
of theory 17
2.3 Empirical
Review 18
2.4 Appraisal of Literature Review 19
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Area
of study 21
3.2 Research
Design 21
3.3 Research
Population of the Study 21
3.4 Sample
size and Sampling Technique 21
3.5 Instrument
for Data Collection 23
3.6 Validity
of Instrument 23
3.7 Reliability
Instrument 23
3.8 Method
of Data Collection 23
3.9 Method
of Data Analysis 24
3.10 Ethical
Considerations 24
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULT OF
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.1. Presentation
of Data 25
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY,
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Discussion
of Findings 28
5.2 Implications
of Findings to Nursing Practice 30
5.3 Limitations
of the Study 30
5.4 Summary
of Findings 30
5.5 Conclusion
31
5.6 Recommendations
31
5.7 Suggestion
for Further Studies 32
References 33
Appendix 36
Questionnaire
37
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Malaria
is a major public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in
sub-Saharan Africa where it is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality
(World Health Organization, 2021). Malaria is a potentially life-threatening
disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which are
transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles
mosquitoes. Once inside the human body, the parasites travel to the liver,
where they mature and multiply before infecting red blood cells. The disease is
characterized by recurring symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue,
and muscle aches. Severe cases can lead to complications like anemia,
respiratory distress, or organ failure, particularly in young children,
pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems (World Health
Organization [WHO], 2023).Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria
infection, as it can have serious consequences for both the mother and the
developing fetus (Desai et al., 2021). In areas where malaria is endemic, such
as the Iberekodo community in Abeokuta, Nigeria, pregnant women are at high
risk of contracting the disease (National Malaria Elimination Programme, 2020).
Health
promotion interventions have been shown to be effective in preventing and
controlling malaria, particularly during pregnancy (Briand et al., 2019).
However, awareness of these interventions among pregnant women in the Iberekodo
community may be limited. This study aims to assess the level of awareness of
the impact of health promotion on malaria prevention during early pregnancy in
the Iberekodo community in Abeokuta.
The
Iberekodo community is a rural community located in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The
community is characterized by poor sanitation, limited access to healthcare
services, and a high prevalence of malaria. Pregnant women in the community are
at increased risk of malaria infection due to factors such as poor housing
conditions, lack of mosquito nets, and limited access to antenatal care. Health
promotion interventions, such as the distribution of insecticide-treated bed
nets, education on the importance of antenatal care, and the use of preventive
medication, have been shown to be effective in preventing malaria during
pregnancy (Eisele et al., 2022). However, the success of these interventions
relies on the awareness and participation of pregnant women in the community. Despite
the potential benefits of health promotion interventions, studies have shown
that awareness of these interventions among pregnant women in the Iberekodo
community may be limited. This lack of awareness may be due to factors such as
limited access to information, low literacy levels, and cultural beliefs and
practices (Ayodele et al., 2019).
This
study will provide valuable insights into the level of awareness of health
promotion interventions for malaria prevention among pregnant women in the
Iberekodo community in Abeokuta. The findings of this study will help to inform
the development of targeted health promotion programs to improve awareness and uptake
of malaria prevention interventions among pregnant women in the community. By
addressing the gaps in awareness, we can work towards reducing the burden of
malaria during pregnancy and improving maternal and child health outcomes in
the Iberekodo community.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Malaria
remains a significant public health concern in many parts of the world,
particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where it is a leading cause of morbidity and
mortality. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of
malaria, with the disease posing a serious threat to both maternal and fetal
health. In Nigeria, malaria is a major cause of maternal and infant mortality,
with pregnant women at a higher risk of developing severe complications from
the disease. Despite the availability of effective prevention and treatment
measures, such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and antimalarial
medications, many pregnant women in Nigeria continue to be at risk of
contracting malaria. This is often due to a lack of awareness about the
importance of malaria prevention during pregnancy, as well as a lack of access
to healthcare services that provide information and support on this issue.
The
Iberekodo community in Abeokuta is one such area where awareness on the impact
of health promotion on malaria prevention during early pregnancy is lacking.
This community, like many others in Nigeria, has a high prevalence of malaria
and a high rate of maternal and infant mortality. Despite efforts by the
government and non-governmental organizations to promote malaria prevention and
control measures, many pregnant women in Iberekodo remain unaware of the risks
of malaria during pregnancy and the steps they can take to protect themselves
and their unborn children. This lack of awareness is a significant barrier to
reducing the burden of malaria in pregnant women in Iberekodo and improving
maternal and infant health outcomes in the community. Without adequate
knowledge and understanding of the importance of malaria prevention
during pregnancy, pregnant women are unlikely to take the necessary steps to
protect themselves and their babies from the disease. This can lead to serious
complications, including anemia, low birth weight, and even death, for both
mother and child.
Therefore, there is an
urgent need for targeted health promotion interventions in the Iberekodo
community to raise awareness about the impact of malaria on pregnant women and
the importance of preventive measures. By increasing knowledge and
understanding of malaria prevention during
pregnancy, pregnant women in Iberekodo can take proactive steps to protect
themselves and their unborn children from the devastating effects of the
disease. In conclusion, the lack of awareness on the impact of health promotion
on malaria prevention during early pregnancy in the Iberekodo community is a
significant public health problem that requires immediate attention. By
addressing this issue through targeted health promotion interventions, we can
improve maternal and infant health outcomes in the community and reduce the
burden of malaria on pregnant women and their families.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The
main objective of this study is to assess the level of
awareness of the impact of health promotion on malaria prevention during early
pregnancy in the Iberekodo
community in Abeokuta.
Specific
objectives include:
i. To assess the knowledge of
pregnant women in the Iberekodo community on the causes and consequences of
malaria during pregnancy.
ii. To determine the level of awareness
of health promotion interventions for malaria prevention among pregnant women
in the community.
iii.
To identify the factors that influences the awareness of health promotion
interventions among pregnant women in the Iberekodo community.
1.4 Research Questions
What
are the knowledge of pregnant women in the Iberekodo community on the causes
and consequences of malaria during pregnancy?
i.
What are the levels of awareness of health promotion interventions for malaria
prevention among pregnant women in the community?
ii.
What are the factors that influence the awareness of health promotion
interventions among pregnant women in the Iberekodo community?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
H0: There is no significant level of awareness among
pregnant women in Iberekodo community regarding health promotion interventions.
H1:
There is no significant level of
awareness among pregnant women in Iberekodo community regarding health
promotion interventions.
1.6
Significance of the Study
The
significance of studying awareness on the impact of health promotion on malaria
prevention during early pregnancy in the Iberekodo community in Abeokuta cannot
be overstated. Malaria remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, with
pregnant women and young children being particularly vulnerable to the disease.
Malaria in pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes such as maternal
anemia, low birth weight, and increased risk of maternal and infant mortality. Health
promotion plays a crucial role in preventing malaria during pregnancy by
raising awareness about the importance of using insecticide-treated bed nets,
seeking early and appropriate treatment, and taking preventive medication.
However, the effectiveness of health promotion efforts depends on the level of
awareness and knowledge among the target population. The Iberekodo community in
Abeokuta is a rural area with limited access to healthcare services and
resources. Pregnant women in this community may not be aware of the risks of
malaria during pregnancy or the preventive measures they can take to protect
themselves and their unborn babies. By studying the awareness levels of
pregnant women in Iberekodo regarding malaria prevention, we can identify gaps
in knowledge and develop targeted health promotion interventions to address
these gaps.
Furthermore,
understanding the impact of health promotion on malaria prevention during early
pregnancy in the Iberekodo community can help inform future public health
strategies and policies aimed at reducing the burden of malaria in pregnancy.
By increasing awareness and knowledge among pregnant women in Iberekodo, we can
empower them to take control of their health and make informed decisions to
protect themselves and their babies from malaria. Studying awareness on the
impact of health promotion on malaria prevention during early pregnancy in the
Iberekodo community in Abeokuta is essential for improving maternal and child
health outcomes. By identifying and addressing gaps in knowledge, we can
enhance the effectiveness of health promotion efforts and ultimately reduce the
burden of malaria in pregnancy. This research has the potential to make a
significant contribution to public health in Nigeria and beyond.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study will focus on
the following key areas:
Awareness of Malaria Prevention
Strategies: The study will assess the level of awareness among pregnant women
in the Iberekodo community regarding the importance of malaria prevention
during early pregnancy. This will include knowledge of preventive measures such
as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, intermittent preventive treatment,
and seeking prompt treatment for malaria symptoms.
Health Promotion Interventions: The
study will evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion interventions in
promoting malaria prevention during early pregnancy in the community. This will
include assessing the reach and impact of educational campaigns, community
outreach programs, and antenatal care services in promoting awareness and
behavior change among pregnant women.
Maternal and Child Health Outcomes:
The study will examine the impact of health promotion on maternal and child
health outcomes related to malaria prevention during early pregnancy. This will
include assessing the incidence of malaria infection, maternal anemia, low
birth weight, and other adverse outcomes among pregnant women in the community.
Furthermore, this study will
contribute to the existing literature on the awareness and impact of health
promotion on malaria prevention during early pregnancy in Nigeria. The findings
will provide valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and
community stakeholders on the effectiveness of current interventions and areas
for improvement. Ultimately, this research aims to inform evidence-based
strategies for promoting maternal and child health in the Iberekodo community
and beyond.
1.8 Definition of Terms
· Awareness:
The level of knowledge, understanding, and consciousness that pregnant women in
Iberekodo community have regarding health promotion activities aimed at
preventing malaria during early pregnancy.
· Impact:
The measurable outcomes or changes in health behavior, knowledge, or health
status of pregnant women as a result of health promotion interventions aimed at
malaria prevention during early pregnancy.
· Health Promotion:
Activities, programs, or campaigns designed to educate and inform pregnant
women in Iberekodo about the prevention of malaria, including the use of
insecticide-treated nets, intermittent preventive treatment (IPT), and other
preventive practices.
· Malaria Prevention:
The actions, practices, and interventions taken to reduce the risk of malaria
infection among pregnant women, such as using mosquito nets, taking preventive
medications, and avoiding mosquito breeding environments.
· Malaria:
Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. There are five
species of Plasmodium that can infect humans, with Plasmodium falciparum being
the deadliest. Malaria is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, and
flu-like illness.
· Pregnancy:
Pregnancy is the period of time during which a woman carries a developing fetus
in her uterus. Pregnancy typically lasts around 40 weeks, divided into three
trimesters.
· Malaria in Pregnancy:
Malaria in pregnancy refers to the presence of malaria infection in a pregnant
woman.
· Iberekodo Community:
Iberekodo community is a CDA in Abeokuta
· Abeokuta:
The capital of Ogun State.
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