The Influence of Roll Back Malaria Program on Knowledge of Malaria among Pregnant Women in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is one of the most severe public health problems globally. It is a leading cause of death and disease in many developing countries, where young children and pregnant women are the most affected (WHO, 2011). To examine the influence of the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) on malaria-knowledge among pregnant women, a crosssectional survey design was used. Survey questionnaires were administered on 407 pregnant women. The respondents were drawn from patients attending clinics at Primary Health Centres (PHC) in six selected local government areas in Ibadan. This was to ensure that the respondents were among those who have been exposed to intervention activities, since the malaria control programs in the state are concentrated at the state-owned primary health facilities. In-depth interview with pregnant women and RBM staff were also employed to capture issues around various thematic areas of the study. The respondents’ use of Insecticide Treated Net (ITN) suggests that the more informed the populace, the higher their inclination to adopt and use the RBM measures in combating the scourge of malaria. Most of the respondents (93%) were aware that malaria is preventable, which means that if given the opportunity, and armed with the right knowledge on prevention, malaria in pregnancy can be averted. The study found that proper dissemination of relevant information, and not just formal education, is the key to the success of the RBM program