Pregnancy Malaria: Predisposing Factors, Burden and Management in Agrarian Settlements Southeast Nigeria
Emmanuel Ikechukwu Nnamonu *
Department of Biology, Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Obiageli Constance Ejilibe
Department of Biology, Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Pamela Amarachi Ndukwe- Ani
Department of Economics, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Godwin Chigozie Nwosu
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Cyril Ali Imakwu
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Kingsley Chukwujindu Ezugwu
Department of Biology, Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Casmir Chiebuka Ekwueme
Department of Biology, Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate predisposing factors, burden and management of malaria amongst pregnant women in some agrarian settlements southeast Nigeria.
Study Design: Cross-sectional survey conducted in 4 randomly selected agrarian communities was conducted.
Place and Duration of Study: Isi-Uzo Local Government Area (Eha-Amufu, Ikem, Mbu, Neke and Umualor). The study lasted six months.
Methodology: A total of 385 respondents participated. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 4 randomly selected agrarian communities was conducted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire.
Results: Obstetric and socio-demographic characteristics of the participants showed that majority were age-bracket 25-34 (42.6%), 1st trimester (56.4%) and multigravidae (52.8%), primary education group (32.2%), secondary education group (55.6%), farmers (73.1%) and Christians (93.5%). All the respondents (100%) agreed to the presence of overgrown bushes in their environs, many farming activities which is the main source of income and staying out late at night for relaxation. A high percentage of the women experienced fever (57.9), headache (61.6), cough & catarrh (54.5) and anorexia (53.8) monthly reflecting high malaria frequency in the locale. 20.3% had experienced stillbirth, 82.6% neonatal death and 65.5% infant mortality once, twice or more. And according to (58.7%) and (38.7%) of respondents, malaria moderately and highly affects their productivity during pregnancy respectively. Respondents that seek health/treatment in hospitals (50.9) differ insignificantly from those that seek health through traditional remedies (49.1). Cost of treatment was reported to be high and moderate by 31.9% and 65.5% respondents respectively. Poor health care delivery was implicated as major dissatisfaction with treatment by 76.4% of respondents.
Conclusion: Malaria is a major health problem encountered by pregnant women in agrarian locales. Hence, girls should be exposed to malaria awareness programs an earlier stage of life.
Keywords: Pregnancy malaria, predisposing factors, burden, management, agrarian settlement.