Perception and Practices on Malaria Control among Pregnant Women in Machakos Central Division, Kenya
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Date
2013-05
Authors
Kyania, Martin Mulala
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Malaria is endemic in Kenya. It is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in
children under five years of age. It accounts for 30% of outpatient visits and nearly 20%
of admissions to health facilities here Kenya. In Machakos District, Malaria has been the
top cause of morbidity and mortality particularly in children under 5 years and women in
the reproductive age. Records from the Machakos District hospital show that malaria
cases have been steadily increasing from a low of 151,181 in the year 2002 to a high of
435,987 in the year 2010. The main objective of the study was to establish the perception
and practices of pregnant women on malaria control in Machakos Central Division. The
research design used was a descriptive survey and the study was done at Machakos
District Hospital. A sample of 384 pregnant women from the division was interviewed
using an interview schedule. In addition three focus group discussions of eight
respondents each were conducted. Results showed that factors that were found to
influence perceptions and practices of pregnant mothers on malaria control were
education (X2=8.J5!, df=J, p<0.004), occupation (l=4.029, df=l , p<0.045), believe that
malaria can be treated/controlled through medical intervention (X2=!7.703, df=l ,
p<O.OOOJ), perception that children under five years and pregnant women are at a high
risk of malaria infection (X2=8.909, df=l , p<0.003), accessibility of health facility
(X2=5.096, df=l , p<0.024), and knowledge on associated causes of malaria(x2=1.8!5,
df= 1, p<O.O18). Focus group discussion revealed that lack of proper information on part
of pregnant women on causes and diagnosis of malaria, and availability of control
measures hindered successful control. The study also found that stigma surrounding
teenage pregnancy was a major obstacle for pregnant teenagers in their efforts to seek
medical care. The study concludes that education and occupation are important factors in
malaria control. It recommends that policy formulation on malaria be directed towards
information, education, communication, monitoring and evaluation and 'inter sector
collaboration.
Description
Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the requirement of the award of a Degree of Master of Public Health in the School of Health Sciences of Kenyatta University. May, 2013, RG 580 .M33K9