Awareness and Knowledge of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics at Igbeti, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The effectiveness of pregnant women to avoid malaria, especially in areas where malaria is endemic, knowledge of intermittent preventative therapy in pregnancy (IPTp) is essential. Raising awareness entails educating women on the advantages, security, and requirements of IPT. Aims: The study aimed to assess the awareness and level of knowledge of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Igbeti, Oyo state, Nigeria. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed. Place and Duration of Study: 7 Primary Healthcare and 1 secondary healthcare were selected as the location between October 2024 to November 2024. Methodology: This study utilized a multistage sampling technique, the sampling was carried out in stages. A simple random sampling was used to pick Igbeti out of the 33 towns in Oyo State. Also, a simple random sampling was used to pick of 7 Antenatal clinics out of 17 in the town. Chi-square was used to examine the association between the socio-demography and level of awareness and knowledge of IPT among pregnant women. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v25 and P value was set at p < 0.05. Results: All 404 respondents (100%) were aware of IPT, primarily through healthcare providers (55.9%). While 63.6% correctly identified the medication, only 57.4% knew the correct dosing schedule, and 56.2% lacked knowledge regarding side effects. The overall knowledge level was moderate (Mean = 3.40 ±1.04). A significant association was found between ethnicity and medication awareness (X2= 31.613, p = 0.001). However, educational status did not significantly influence knowledge of IPT purpose (X2 = 10.437, p = 0.24). Despite high general awareness, gaps remain in specific knowledge areas like side effects and guidelines. Conclusion: The study reveals a paradox in the maternal health landscape of Igbeti, Oyo State, through universal awareness among pregnant women, significant knowledge gaps exist regarding side effects (56.2% unaware) and dosing schedules (42.6% unaware). Despite healthcare providers being the primary information source (55.9%), a strong correlation between ethnicity and awareness (X2= 31.613, p = 0.001) indicates that current outreach may not reach all cultural groups effectively. Overall, universal awareness has not yet resulted in the comprehensive knowledge necessary for optimal malaria prevention.