Perception and utilisation of malaria prophylaxis among pregnant women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Date
1995
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East African medical journal
Abstract
Knowledge, perception and utilisation of malaria prophylaxis were assessed among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Of the 301 women interviewed, 71.1% reported having used chloroquine prophylaxis while 28.9% did not. Women with high knowledge of malaria were more likely to use malaria prophylaxis than those with low knowledge. However, there was no significant association between knowledge of malaria and perceived effectiveness of the various methods of malaria control. Chloroquine side effects and perceived lack of protective effect against malaria were mentioned as causes of failure to use chloroquine prophylaxis. Fear of chloroquine-induced pruritus accounted for the largest proportion (49.4%) of women who reported having failed to use chloroquine prophylaxis. Occurrence of malaria episodes was reported to be similar among users and non-users of malaria prophylaxis probably due to inconsistent use of malaria prophylaxis and reduced chloroquine sensitivity of malaria parasites. It is suggested that, in addition to chemoprophylaxis, pregnant women should be encouraged to use bednets in combination with mosquito repellents throughout the course of pregnancy.
Description
Keywords
Malaria prophylaxis, Pregnant women, Antenatal care clinic
Citation
Mnyika, K.S., Kabalimu, T.K. and Lugoe, W.L., 1995. Perception and utilisation of malaria prophylaxis among pregnant women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. East African medical journal, 72(7), pp.431-435.