Factors affecting the uptake of malaria prevention strategies among pregnant women in Nigeria: evidence from 2013 Nigeria demographic and health survey

Abstract

This study aims to examine the factors affecting the uptake of malaria prevention strategies among pregnant women in Nigeria. Secondary data from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey were used to examine the factors affecting the uptake of malaria prevention strategies among pregnant women (n = 4493) in Nigeria. Variables on demographic and socio-economic characteristics of pregnant women were analysed. Data analysis was carried out using STATA version 12 software and univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. We found that only 10.3% of pregnant women received intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy, while 17.4% used insecticide-treated bed nets. Multivariate analysis indicated that maternal age (p < 0.05), geo-political zone (p < 0.05), socio-economic status (p < 0.05), religion (p < 0.05), women’s autonomy (p < 0.05) and number of antenatal care visits (p < 0.05) were significant predictors of the uptake of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy. The use of insecticide-treated bed nets was influenced by socio-economic status (p < 0.05) and women’s occupation (p < 0.05). Our study shows that there is poor uptake of malaria prevention strategies among pregnant women in Nigeria. In addition, demographic and socio-economic factors affect the uptake of malaria prevention strategies. The design of new policies and improvement in the current malaria prevention programs should target demographic and socio-economic factors which are important in increasing the uptake of malaria prevention strategies among pregnant women. We also recommend economic empowerment of women.