Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Patrick A. Tschida

Abstract

Malaria causes high morbidity and mortality, especially among the most vulnerable populations, including pregnant women. Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) can be prevented by compliance with the 3 core measures: sleeping under insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), 3 doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine as intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp-SP), and effective case management of malaria and anemia. The purpose of this cross-sectional household survey was to examine the composite risk behaviors that enhance the transmission of MiP. Stratified and multistage sampling methods were used to select a sample of 300 pregnant women in Abuja, Nigeria. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were conducted. According to study findings, participants' mean age was 28.6 years, many (117 or 68.0% of the participants) used an ITN the night before the survey, and some (113 or 38.0%) had used SP for IPTp. Many participants (183 or 61.0%) were of high malaria risk status (MRS). The predictors of MRS were knowledge, OR 3.282, 95% CI [1.091, 9.873], p=0.03; number of pregnancy, OR=5.589, 95% CI [1.465, 21.316], p=0.01; attendance at antenatal clinic, OR= 3.777, 95% CI [1.119, 12.746], p=0.03; level of education, OR=0.050, 95 CI [0.013, 0.197], p=0.000; perceived barriers of ITN, OR=0.308, 95% CI [0.165, 0.575], p=0.000; and perceived benefits of SP for IPTp, OR=3.156, 95% CI [1.879, 5.301], p=0.000 . Perceived seriousness, perceived severity of malaria, age, and religion were not significantly related to MRS. This study leads to positive social change by providing information for policy makers to review MiP-related policies and programs to ensure quality messages, providers, and products are accessible and affordable across rural and urban settings where the target population live and work.

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