Suleiman Mohammed Saeed,
- lecturer, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria
Abstract
Malaria remains a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting pregnant women. The Roll Back Malaria (RBM) programme, a global initiative to reduce malaria incidence, aims to improve malaria knowledge and preventive practices among high-risk groups, including pregnant women. This study investigates the impact of the RBM programme on malaria knowledge and prevention behaviours among pregnant women in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 300 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics across five public health facilities in the state. Participants’ knowledge of malaria transmission, symptoms, and prevention practices was assessed and analyzed based on their exposure to RBM educational interventions. Results indicate that RBM-exposed women demonstrated significantly higher knowledge of malaria transmission (87%) and symptoms (77%) compared to unexposed women (62% and 57%, respectively). Moreover, ITN usage was considerably higher among the RBM-exposed group (92%) versus the unexposed group (68%), underscoring the programme’s effectiveness in promoting protective behaviours. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between RBM exposure and increased malaria knowledge (χ2 = 14.56, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that RBM programme exposure positively impacts malaria awareness and preventive practices among pregnant women, reducing their risk of malaria infection. To enhance malaria prevention, we recommend expanding RBM outreach, integrating malaria education into routine antenatal care, and implementing community-based education campaigns. These strategies could improve maternal health outcomes and further reduce malaria’s burden on vulnerable populations in malaria-endemic regions.
Keywords: Kaduna State, Knowledge, Nigeria, Prevention, Pregnant Women, Roll Back Malaria
[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions ]
Suleiman Mohammed Saeed. Impact of the Roll Back Malaria Programme on the Knowledge of Malaria among Pregnant Women in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2025; 15(01):10-21.
Suleiman Mohammed Saeed. Impact of the Roll Back Malaria Programme on the Knowledge of Malaria among Pregnant Women in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2025; 15(01):10-21. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjohp/article=2025/view=208695
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Research and Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue | 01 |
| Received | 27/11/2024 |
| Accepted | 11/02/2025 |
| Published | 24/04/2025 |
| Publication Time | 148 Days |
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