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 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.
Center for Global Health and Development, Department of International Health, Boston University School of Public Health 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA. lsabin@bu.edu
Lora L
LL
Sabin
Abanish
A
Rizal
Mohamad I
MI
Brooks
Mrigendra P
MP
Singh
Jordan
J
Tuchman
Blair J
BJ
Wylie
Katherine M
KM
Joyce
Kojo
K
Yeboah-Antwi
Neeru
N
Singh
Davidson H
DH
Hamer
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008288:Malaria / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015597:Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult
D000962:Antimalarials