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- Title
Determinants of the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets in pregnant women: a mixed-methods study in Ghana.
- Authors
Dun-Dery, F; Kuunibe, N; Meissner, P; Winkler, V; Jahn, A; Müller, O
- Abstract
Background Malaria in pregnancy remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting the highly endemic countries of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are effective for malaria prevention. However, poor adherence in SSA remains a challenge. Methods We conducted a standard questionnaire survey among 710 pregnant women from 37 primary care clinics in the Upper West Region of Ghana from January through May 2019. Using a sequential explanatory design, we integrated the survey data from six focus group discussions with pregnant women. Results While 67% of women had some general knowledge about malaria prevention, only 19% knew the specific risks in pregnancy. Determinants of ITN use included ITN ownership (odds ratio [OR] 2.4 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.3 to 4.4]), good maternal knowledge of the risks of malaria in pregnancy (OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.3 to 4.3]) and more antenatal care (ANC) contacts (OR 1.3 [95% CI 1.0 to 1.5)]. Focus group discussions showed that non-use of ITNs resulted from inappropriate hanging infrastructure, a preference for other malaria prevention alternatives, allergy and heat. Conclusions Specific maternal knowledge of malaria risks in pregnancy was low and influenced the regular use of ITNs. Community and ANC-based malaria interventions should prioritize increasing knowledge of the specific risks of malaria.
- Subjects
GHANA; SUB-Saharan Africa; INSECTICIDE-treated mosquito nets; PREGNANT women; MALARIA prevention; PRENATAL care; MALARIA
- Publication
International Health (1876-3413), 2022, Vol 14, Issue 6, p619
- ISSN
1876-3413
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/inthealth/ihab087