Knowledge and Perception of the Risks of Malaria during Pregnancy Among Women in Amasaman Sub Municipality

Abstract

Introduction Malaria in pregnancy is of public health importance. Malaria in pregnancy is associated with several negative health outcomes such as premature delivery, threatened abortion, and miscarriage, among others. The study sought to find out the level of knowledge and perception of women regarding the risks associated with malaria during pregnancy in GA West Municipality, Amasaman. Methods Qualitative research technique was employed in the research. The focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were the tools used to collect data. Forty-four respondents participated in the research. Purposive sampling method was employed to select the respondents. Five FGDs and two IDIs were done to solicit for information. The sample frame consisted of the women who have delivered children who are under one year; pregnant women, and women who have delivered before but are past childbearing. The respondents were drawn from the urban, peri-urban, and rural communities of Amasaman sub- municipality, and grouped according to their places of residence. Interview guide was used. The IDIs and the FGDs were recorded using tape recorder and later transcribed verbatim, typed in word and imported into Nvivo software and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Majority of the respondents have knowledge of causes of malaria, however, some of them have misconceptions about the causes of malaria. The respondents are acutely aware that malaria in pregnancy is deadly if early attention is not paid to it and majority of them sought healthcare from biomedical facilities.

Conclusion The women knew that malaria can kill all categories of people. In addition, the women were aware that malaria during pregnancy can cause threatened abortion, premature delivery, or the death of both the foetus and the mother.