Authors : Muogbo Chidimma Favour; Muogbo Chinemerem Divine; Nwachukwu Chinenye Benita; Obiora Ezinne Amanda; Muogbo Amara Precious

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/25n2wrjc

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/dv2teyu2

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14759729

Abstract : Background: Malaria, a disease caused by infection with one or more of the Plasmodium species (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae), remains a critical global health issue. Each year, it contributes to nearly 3 million deaths among mothers and children worldwide. Additionally, an estimated 25 million pregnant women are at risk of contracting malaria, with Africa bearing approximately 90% of the global disease burden.  Methodology: This research utilized a cross-sectional descriptive approach to evaluate adherence to malaria prevention and treatment among women attending antenatal care at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Nigeria. Although the planned sample size was 230 participants, only 120 women participated due to the limited timeframe of the study. Participants were selected through a simple random sampling technique.  Results: The findings revealed a high level of awareness about malaria prevention and treatment among the participants, with 99 (96.12%) demonstrating strong knowledge and only 4 (3.88%) showing limited understanding. Compliance with malaria prevention and treatment measures was moderately high, as 75 (68.81%) adhered to recommended practices. The primary reason cited for low compliance was discomfort associated with using insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). No significant associations were observed between compliance and sociodemographic factors.  Conclusion: Further studies with a larger sample size would be necessary to further assess the factors that affect compliance to malaria treatment and preventive measures. It is recommended that this research will inform doctors and the general public on the factors affecting compliance to malaria treatment and preventive measures among pregnant women. This will help be of invariable help in developing strategies and policies to reduce the incidence of malaria in pregnancy.

Keywords : Malaria, Insecticide-Treated Nets, Compliance.

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