Malaria Prevention Among Pregnant Women in Bauchi State, Nigeria: Knowledge and Utiization of Insecticide-Treated Nets

Abstract

Malaria during pregnancy is associated anaemia, underweight babies, premature babies, and neonatal mortality. Use of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) is a practical and effective way of malaria prevention. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and utilization of ITN among pregnant women in Toro, Bauchi state. A descriptive study design was adopted for the study and 108 women participated voluntarily. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed and presented in tables and charts. Findings show that 87.9% were aware that ITN can be used in malaria prevention while 78.7% posited that ITN is an important tool in preventing malaria during pregnancy. Of the 64.8% who used ITN during pregnancy, only 30% use it every day while 12.9% use it once a week. It is concluded that pregnant women in this setting have adequate knowledge about ITN. Most of them use ITN but frequency or rate of use is poor. Enlightenment program about proper and adequate use of ITN in malaria prevention is warranted.