The Perception and Attitude towards Insecticide Treated Nets in the Control of Malaria amongst Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at La General Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria poses public health challenge in endemic African countries. Malaria contributes nearly 20% to low birth weight babies in endemic areas, still births and maternal deaths. Pregnant women are more likely to be anaemic and give birth to low birth weight or stillborn babies with malaria infection during pregnancy. Regular use of insecticide teated nets by pregnant women is a vital intervention in the prevention of malaria among pregnant women in endemic areas. Objective(s): The general objective of this study is to explore the perception and attitude towards insecticide treated nets in the control of malaria amongst pregnant women attending Ante Natal Clinic at La General Hospital. Methods: Phenomenolgical approach was adopted using La General Hospital as a case study organization in the Greater Accra Region. Data was obtained through interviews and documentary review. The interview data was coded using Nvivo software application and analysed using framework analysis. The Health Belief Model was used to interpret the findings of the study. Findings: Most of the pregnant women have appreciable knowledge of what insecticide teated nets are; knew the purpose and importance as well as how they are used. Almost all the respondents demonstrated good attitude towards insecticide treated nets‘ usage. They view the insecticide teated net as good, better and comfortable and sleeping under it does not affect pregnancy, but rather prevents malaria. Furthermore, most of the respondents perceive that socio-cultural factors do not influence their acceptance and use of insecticide teated net. On the other hand, while health personnel provide pregnant women with the nets and educate them on the importance through public health education, the challenge they face include shortages as a result of government‘s delay in delivering as well as lack of cooperation between health personnel and pregnant women on the appropriate use of the nets. Conclusions / Recommendations: The findings contradicts findings from earlier studies, which indicated that knowledge of insecticide treated net among pregnant women was still low despite government policy of free supply to vulnerable groups and subsidized nets for other people.The need for health policy makers and health promotion practioners to focus on creating demand for insecticide treated nets and usage through all available health information channels including social marketing is recommended. The design of educational materials and information on intermittent treated nets usage should take account of the perceptions and attitude of community members especially pregnant women to ensure their maximum acceptance and use.