Evaluation of the use of Intermittent Preventive Therapy and Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets for Malaria Prevalence among Pregnant Women in Nkpor, Nigeria

Abstract

A study on the use of intermittent preventive therapy (IPT) and Long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) for malaria prevalence among pregnant women in Nkpor, Anambra State, Nigeria between May and July 2015. A total number of 176 pregnant women were examined microscopically using their peripheral blood for malaria parasites. A structured questionnaire was used to determine the usage of LLINs and compliance to ITP. The result showed 51.7 %( 91/179) of the women were positive for malaria parasites. Malaria prevalence on the use of IPT was 54.5% (96/176) while the use of LLINs was 43.8% (77/176). The prevalence among primigravidae was 64.9% (50/77) and multigravidae was 41.1% (41/99). The use of LLINs has lower malaria prevalence than the use of IPT for malaria among pregnant women. Malaria is high among pregnant women and control efforts need to be improved urgently in Nkpor, Nigeria.