Attitudes, Knowledge, and Practices Regarding Malaria Prevention and Treatment among Pregnant Women in Eastern India

We explored views toward and use of malaria prevention and treatment measures among pregnant women in Jharkhand, India. We conducted 32 in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions (total = 73 respondents) with pregnant women in urban, semi-urban, and rural locations in a region with moderate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 2010-06, Vol.82 (6), p.1010-1016
Main Authors: SABIN, Lora L, RIZAL, Abanish, BROOKS, Mohamad I, SINGH, Mrigendra P, TUCHMAN, Jordan, WYLIE, Blair J, JOYCE, Katherine M, YEBOAH-ANTWI, Kojo, SINGH, Neeru, HAMER, Davidson H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Antimalarials - therapeutic use
Biological and medical sciences
Female
Focus Groups
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Human protozoal diseases
Humans
India - epidemiology
Infectious diseases
Interviews as Topic
Malaria
Malaria - drug therapy
Malaria - epidemiology
Malaria - prevention & control
Medical sciences
Parasitic diseases
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic - prevention & control
Protozoal diseases
Young Adult
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Summary:We explored views toward and use of malaria prevention and treatment measures among pregnant women in Jharkhand, India. We conducted 32 in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions (total = 73 respondents) with pregnant women in urban, semi-urban, and rural locations in a region with moderate intensity malaria transmission. Most respondents ranked malaria as an important health issue affecting pregnant women, had partially correct understanding of malaria transmission and prevention, and reported using potentially effective prevention methods, usually untreated bed nets. However, most conveyed misinformation and described using unproven prevention and/or treatment methods. Many described using different ineffective traditional malaria remedies. The majority also showed willingness to try new prevention methods and take medications if doctor-prescribed. Misconceptions and use of unproven prevention and treatment methods are common among pregnant women in eastern India. Policy makers should focus on improving knowledge and availability of effective malaria control strategies in this population.
ISSN:0002-9637
1476-1645
DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0339