Prevalence of Malaria and Treatment-seeking Behaviour among Pregnant Women Attending Immanuel General Hospital, Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study assessed the prevalence of malaria and treatment-seeking behaviour among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Immanuel Hospital, Eket Akwa Ibom State. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Immanuel General Hospital, Eket, Akwa Ibom State. A total of 200 pregnant women were randomly selected. Malaria was diagnosed using microscopy and structured questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demographics, knowledge of malaria, treatment-seeking behaviour and preventive measures. Data was analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Data obtained was analyzed to generate descriptive Statistics and Chi-square test results (p < .05) was considered significant. The prevalence of malaria was 25.5% (51/200). [95% CI = 19.6-32.1]. Malaria infection was highest among women aged 26-30 years (30.6%) and lowest among 21-25 years (17.4%). About treatment-seeking behaviour, 44% reported having malaria during pregnancy with 60% visiting a hospital, while 11% relied on local herbs. Majority (75%) sought treatment immediately while 12.5% waited 3-5 days. No significant association (p = .79; p > .05) was found between malaria awareness and treatment or prevention choices. Malaria prevalence was 25.5% among the pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Eket and most of the participants had good knowledge of malaria and its fatality. They sought treatment promptly. There is need to correct misconceptions and to emphasize the importance of early treatment through health education.