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NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC

HEALTH AND PHARMACY (NIJPP)

Volume 6 Issue 1 Page 39-47, 2025

https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJPP/2025/613947 Page | 39

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Malaria Prevention

and Control Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal
Care at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) In
Hoima District
Mbabazi Cecilia and Mugenyi Michael

Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT
Although significant progress has been made in the fight against malaria in recent years, the disease still claims
655,000 lives annually and infects approximately 219 million people. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable
to malaria, which increases the risk of adverse health outcomes for both mothers and children. This study assessed
the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to malaria prevention and control among pregnant women attending
antenatal care at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital in Hoima District. The study employed a descriptive design and
involved 196 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires.
The findings revealed poor knowledge regarding the use of mosquito sprays to kill mosquitoes, although all mothers
were aware that mosquito bites are associated with malaria transmission. Additionally, there was a negative attitude
towards malaria prevention, with 52.9% of participants believing that preventing mosquito bites is difficult. The
study also found low utilization of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) prophylaxis (41.2%), limited use of
mosquito repellents (17.6%), and inadequate practice of draining stagnant water among malaria-positive mothers.
In conclusion, the study found a high malaria prevalence of 17.9% among pregnant women at Hoima Regional
Referral Hospital. It is recommended that mass sensitization campaigns be conducted to educate pregnant women
on malaria prevention and control. Additionally, there should be a continuous supply of mosquito nets and increased
access to preventive measures such as IPT to reduce the burden of malaria among expectant mothers.
Keywords: Malaria, Pregnancy, Prevention, Antenatal Care, Hoima Hospital

INTRODUCTION
Malaria is caused by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito, leading to the infection of red blood cells. It is one
of the preventable causes of low birth weight that can be managed through timely intervention during pregnancy
[1,2]. A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 indicated that the global incidence rate of malaria
declined from 71 to 57 cases per 1,000 people at risk between 2010 and 2019. Despite this progress, approximately
100,000 pregnant women experienced malaria-related complications [3]. In sub-Saharan Africa, pregnant women
and newborns in malaria-endemic regions are particularly vulnerable [4,5]. Studies conducted in sub-Saharan
countries show that malaria during pregnancy remains a significant public health concern in tropical and subtropical
regions worldwide, despite global efforts to eliminate the disease [6]. Malaria poses considerable risks to the mother,
fetus, and neonate, with an estimated 40% risk of complications [7,8]. A study by Monica et al., in Swaziland
highlighted that the clinical manifestations of malaria during pregnancy depend on a woman's acquired immunity
and the intensity of malaria transmission in her area [2]. In India, an estimated 2-3 million malaria cases are reported
annually, resulting in 500-800 deaths. Approximately 95% of India's population is at risk of malaria [9]. Studies
indicate that malaria is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including maternal anemia, preterm

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labor, stillbirth, and low birth weight. India has implemented measures to enhance malaria prevention and treatment
[10]. In Uganda, malaria accounts for 30-50% of outpatient consultations, 20% of inpatient admissions, and 9-14%
of inpatient deaths. Over 90% of the country experiences high, stable, year-round malaria transmission, while the
remaining areas have low, unstable transmission and are prone to epidemics [11]. Uganda ranks as the third-largest
contributor to the global malaria burden, following the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Nigeria [12].
Malaria remains a significant health challenge in Uganda, where delayed or inadequate treatment can lead to severe
complications, including death [12]. A study by Mbonye revealed that the prevalence of malaria during pregnancy Page | 40
ranges from 13.1% to 50%, with rates reaching as high as 60% in certain areas [13]. Although considerable progress
has been made in reducing malaria, it continues to cause 655,000 deaths annually and infects up to 219 million people
worldwide [14]. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria, increasing the risk of poor health outcomes
for both mother and child [15]. Uganda has the highest malaria incidence in the world, with a rate of 478 cases per
1,000 people annually. This places the country as the third-highest malaria burden in Africa and the sixth globally.
Currently, 95% of Uganda's population is at high risk of malaria, with the remaining 5% vulnerable to epidemics
[11]. Malaria in pregnancy accounts for over 30% of maternal morbidity and mortality in Uganda [16]. Despite
ongoing efforts to reduce malaria-related deaths, the disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality
[17]. However, no published study has explored knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malaria prevention
among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Understanding these
factors is crucial in developing targeted solutions to reduce malaria prevalence among expectant mothers. The study
aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malaria prevention and control among pregnant
women attending antenatal care at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) in Hoima District.
METHODOLOGY
Study Design
A cross-sectional design was used in this study to collect information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP)
regarding malaria prevention among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Hoima Regional Referral
Hospital in Uganda.
Study Area
The study was conducted at the ANC clinic of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. The hospital is located in Hoima
City, Western Uganda. It is approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) by road, northwest of Mubende Regional
Referral Hospital and about 198 kilometers (123 miles) by road, northwest of Mulago National Referral Hospital in
Kampala, Uganda's capital city. The coordinates of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital are 01°25'41.0"N,
31°21'16.0"E (Latitude: 1.428051; Longitude: 31.354451). Hoima Hospital is a public hospital funded by the Uganda
Ministry of Health, providing free general care. It is one of the thirteen Regional Referral Hospitals in Uganda and
serves as one of the fifteen internship hospitals where graduates of Ugandan medical schools undergo a one-year
internship under the supervision of qualified specialists and consultants. As of 2013, the hospital had a bed capacity
of 280. Out of the 337 gazetted staff positions, only 251 were filled as of March 2011, leaving 85 vacant positions.
Established in 1935, the facility initially functioned as a district hospital. In 1994, it was upgraded to Regional
Referral status for the Bunyoro sub-region. It also serves patients from the nearby eastern Democratic Republic of
the Congo. In 2019, the Ugandan Ministry of Health estimated the hospital's catchment population to be
approximately 3 million.
Study Population
The research was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital
(HRRH).
Inclusion Criteria
Pregnant women who were present at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital for antenatal care during the study period
and had consented to participate.
Those who were physically and mentally capable of providing informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria
Pregnant women requiring urgent medical attention were excluded from the study.
Those who were unable to provide informed consent, including sick mothers and those with children, were also
excluded.
Sample Size Determination
The sample size was determined using the Kish-Leslie formula:
n = \frac{Z^2pq}{d^2} \]
Where:
n = Desired sample size

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Z = Standard deviation at the required degree of accuracy
P = Proportion of malaria in pregnancy (considering 15% in Hoima District)
q=1-P
d = Proportion of error the researcher is willing to accept
n = \frac{1.96^2 \times 0.15 \times 0.85}{0.05^2} \]
n = 196
Thus, the required sample size was 196 participants. Page | 41
Sampling Procedures
Purposive sampling was used to select pregnant mothers, followed by a random sampling technique to select
participants among those attending ANC.
Data Collection Methods
Data collection was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire containing demographic information and
questions on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malaria prevention. The questionnaires were distributed
to willing participants at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital ANC clinic.
Data Management
Data confidentiality was strictly maintained. Unauthorized personnel were not allowed access to the data, which
was available only to the researcher and a trained research assistant. To ensure accuracy, the research assistant was
trained and supervised in data management. Data collection was conducted during the daytime to enhance security
and minimize errors.
Research Instruments
A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection due to its cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, ease of
administration, and effectiveness in obtaining information from respondents. The questionnaire consisted of four
sections:
1. Demographic data
2. Knowledge assessment questions
3. Attitude assessment questions
4. Practice assessment questions related to malaria prevention.
Data Analysis
Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019 and SPSS version 25.0. Microsoft Excel was used for data
cleaning, editing, sorting, and coding. The cleaned data was then imported into the Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics (i.e., frequencies, percentages, means, and standard
deviations) were calculated. T-tests and two-way ANOVA tests were conducted to determine significant
relationships between knowledge and attitude scores and socio-demographic factors. All statistical tests were
considered significant at a 95% confidence interval, with a p-value of less than 0.05.
Ethical Considerations
Participants were informed about the study’s procedures and purpose, and confidentiality of information was
ensured. Informed consent was obtained from each participant before collecting information on their knowledge,
attitudes, and practices regarding malaria prevention. To protect participant privacy, personal identities were
anonymized.
RESULTS
Table 1: Knowledge on malaria prevention and control among pregnant women attending ANC
Freq. percent Freq. Percent 95% CI < 0.05sg
Mosquito bite lead to malaria
True 17 100 161 100 Ref
False 0 0 0 0 0.82(0.42-5.74) 0.057
INT prevents malaria
True 15 88.2 147 91.3 Ref
False 02 11.8 14 8.7 0.37(0.22-9.21) 0.182
Open mosquito spray prevents malaria
True 08 47.1 99 61.5 Ref
False 09 52.9 62 38.5 0.98(0.15-2.55) 0.004
Mosquito repellant prevents malaria
True 07 41.2 85 52.8 Ref
False 10 58.8 76 47.2 0.45(0.25-8.03) 0.001
IPT prevents malaria
True 14 82.4 136 84.5 Ref
False 03 17.6 25 17.6 0.51(0.22-3.61) 0.126

Sg* significance; less than 0.05.

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From table above showing association between knowledge on malaria prevention and control among pregnant
women attending ANC, all the participants, 17(100%) of those who tested positive and 161(100%) of the participants
who tested negative, said that mosquito leads to malaria but this was not significantly associated with occurrence
of prevention and control of malaria at odds ratio of 0.82(0.42-5.74) and p- value of 0.057. From the study,
participants were also asked if insecticide treated net, prevents malaria in which majority 15(88.2%) of those who
had tested positive said that it was true ITN prevents malaria while 14(8.7%) of those who tested negative said
thought ITN did not prevent malaria the study showed that ITN preventing malaria was not significantly associated Page | 42
with malaria control and prevention at odds ratio of 0.37(0.22-9.21) and p-value of 0.182
From the study, participants were also asked if open spray prevents malaria in which 8(47.1%) of those who had
tested positive said that open mosquito sprays prevents malaria while 62(38.5%) of those who had tested negative
said that open mosquito sprays did not prevent malaria the study showed that knowledge on open mosquito spray
as a way of preventing malaria was significantly associated with its control and prevention at odds ratio of 0.98(0.15-
2.55%) and p value of 0.004. From the study also participants were assessed for knowledge on if mosquito repellant
prevents malaria in which 10(58.8%) of those who had tested positive said that it was not true that mosquito repellant
prevents malaria while 85(52.8%) of the participants who had tested negative said agreed that mosquito repellant
could prevent malaria the study showed participants knowledge that mosquito repellant preventing malaria was
significantly associated with its control and prevention at odds ratio of 0.45(0.25-8.03) and p-value of 0.001
From the study also participants were asked if IPT prevents malaria in which majority 14(82.4%) of those who tested
positive said that IPT prevented malaria while 25(17.6) of those who tested negative said that IPT did not prevent
malaria the study showed that IPT preventing malaria was significantly associated with its prevention and control
at odds ratio of 0.51(0.32-3.61) and P-value of 0.126
Attitude on malaria prevention and control among pregnant women
Table three showing association between attitude, malaria prevention and control among pregnant mothers
Attitude on malaria prevention and Tested positive Tested negative Odds ratio P-value control (17) (161)
Table 2: Attitude on malaria prevention and control among pregnant women

Freq percent Freq Percent 95% CI <

0.05sg
Malaria can be prevented non
pharmacologically
True 07 41.2 85 52.8 Ref
False 10 58.8 76 47.2 0.47(0.31-3.69) 0.009
Mosquito bites can be prevented
True 08 47.1 91 56.5 Ref
False 09 52.9 70 43.5 0.52(0.28-6.15) 0.005
ITNS are strictly for malaria
prevention 14 82.4 154 95.7 Ref
True 03 17.6 07 4.3 0.74(0.39-8.74) 0.125
False
Closing early prevents malaria
True 11 64.7 143 88.8 Ref
False 06 35.3 18 11.2 0.13(0.14-2.56) 0.062
Sg* significance; less than 0.05

From table 2 above showing association between attitude , malaria prevention and control in which 7(41.2%) of the
participants who tested positive said that it was true malaria can be prevented non pharmacologically while
76(47.2%) said that malaria cannot be prevented pharmacologically the study showed that mothers attitude that
malaria being prevented can be prevented pharmacologically was significantly associated with its prevention and
control at odds ratio of 0.47(0.31-3.69) and p-value of 0.009. From the study participants were also asked for their
attitude on whether mosquito bites could be prevented in which 8(47.1%) of those who tested positive said that it
was true they can be prevented while 70(43.5 %) said that mosquito bites could not be prevented the study showed
that preventing mosquito bites was significantly associated with its control and prevention at odds ratio of 0.52(0.28-
6.15) and p-value 0.005. From the study participants were also asked if ITNS are strictly for malaria prevention
or can be used for other purposes, in which majority 14(82.4%) of the participants who had tested positive said that
it was true ITNS are only to be for malaria prevention , the study showed that participants attitude on whether

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ITNS are strictly to be used for malaria prevention, ,was not significantly associated with malaria prevention and
control at odds ratio of 0.74(0.39-8.74) and p-value of 0.125. From the study also participants were asked if closing
windows early prevents malaria in which majority 11(64.7%) of malaria positive participants said that it was true
while 18(11.1%) of the malaria negative participants said it was false, the study showed that however closing early
was not significantly associated with malaria prevention and control at odds ratio of 0.13(0.14-2.56) and p-value of
0.062.
Practices on malaria control among pregnant women Page | 43
Table 3 showing between practices and malaria prevention and control among pregnant women
Practices on malaria prevention Tested positive Tested negative Odds ratio p-value
and (17) (161)
control
Freq. percent Freq. percent 95% CI <
0.05sg
Sleeps in mosquito nets
Yes 15 88.2 141 87.6 Ref
No 02 11.8 20 12.4 0.87(0.06-9.01) 0.256
Took IPT prophylaxis
Yes 07 41.2 124 77.0 Ref
No 10 58.8 37 23.0 0.75(0.50-6.75) 0.015
Use mosquito repellant
Yes 03 17.6 53 32.9 Ref
No 14 82.4 108 67.1 0.62(0.01-1.06) 0.323
Drains stagnant water
Yes 06 35.3 44 27.3 Ref
No 11 76.7 117 72.7 0.34(0.19-5.49) 0.165
Sg* significance; less than 0.05

From table three showing association between on malaria control and prevention in which participants were
assessed for how many were sleeping in mosquito nets in which majority 15(88.2%) of those who tested positive said
that they slept in mosquito nets while 20(12.4%) of those who tested negative said that they were not sleeping in
mosquito nets the study showed that sleeping in mosquito net was however not significantly associated with malaria
prevention control and prevention at odds ratio of 0.87(0.06-9.01) and p-value of 0.256 From the study also
participants were asked if they took IPT prophylaxis in which majority 10(58.8%) of the participants who tested
positive said that they never took IPN prophylaxis as well as 37(23.0%) of those who tested negative the study
showed that taking IPT was significantly associated with malaria prevention and control at odds ratio of 0.75(0.50-
6.75%) and p-value of 0.015 From the study participants were asked if they used mosquito repellant in which
3(17.6%) of those who tested positive said that they used mosquito repellant while 108(67.1%) of those who tested
negative said that they did not use mosquito repellant the study showed that use of mosquito repellant was not
significantly associated with malaria prevention and control at odds ratio of 0.62(0.01-1.06%) and p-value of 0.323
From the study also participants were assessed for draining stagnant water from their surrounding in which
6(35.3%) of the participants who tested positive said that they drained stagnant water while 117(72.7%) of the
participants who tested negative said that they did not drain stagnant water the study showed that draining stagnant
water was however not significantly associated with malaria prevention and control at odds ratio of 0.34(0.19-5.49)
and p-value of 0.165.
DISCUSSION
Knowledge on malaria prevention and control among pregnant mothers
From the study showing association between knowledge on malaria prevention and control among pregnant women
attending ANC, all the participants, 17(100%) of those who tested positive and 161(100%) of the participants who
tested negative, knew that mosquito leads to malaria but this was not significantly associated with occurrence of
prevention and control of malaria at odds ratio of 0.82(0.42-5.74) and p- value of 0.057, when compared with other
studies, Monica et al., [2] had also showed that 99.7% of respondents in Swaziland correctly associated malaria with
mosquito bites and 90% reported that they would seek treatment within 24 hours of seeing the first symptoms of
malaria. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) was reported at 87.2% while bed net ownership was reported at 38.8%.
Despite the high level of knowledge about malaria within the surveyed communities, there was little information

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coming to people via their preferred source of information—traditional community district meetings [2]. From the
study participants were also asked if insecticide treated net, prevents malaria in which majority 15(88.2%) of those
who had tested positive said that it was true ITN prevents malaria while 14(8.7%) of those who tested negative said
thought ITN did not prevent malaria the study showed that IN preventing malaria was not significantly associated
with malaria control and prevention at odds ratio of 0.37(0.22-9.21) and p-value of 0.182 , this could be due to lack
of information regarding , malaria prevention programs, when compared with other studies, A study by Mbonye et
al., [13] had also stated that the majority of women, 628 (78.5 %) slept under an ITN a night before the survey; Page | 44
while less than a half, 159 (48.8 %) accessed two doses of SP. Few, 53 (16.3 %) received at least three doses of SP as
recommended by the current policy. From the study also participants were asked if open spray prevents malaria in
which 8(47.1%) of those who had tested positive said that open mosquito sprays prevents malaria while 62(38.5%)
of those who had tested negative said that open mosquito sprays did not prevent malaria the study showed that
knowledge on open mosquito spray as a way of preventing malaria was significantly associated with its control and
prevention at odds ratio of 0.98(0.152.55%) and p-value of 0.004, when compared with other studies, Hill et al, [18]
had showed that Most of the people/ pregnant mothers had misconception about indoor residual spraying and use
of insecticide sprayer, that can lead into congenital abnormalities as well as respiratory problem hence few are
practicing use of indoor spray From the study also participants were assessed for knowledge on if mosquito repellant
prevents malaria in which 10(58.8%) of those who had tested positive said that it was not true that mosquito repellant
prevents malaria while 85(52.8%) of the participants who had tested negative said agreed that mosquito repellant
could prevent malaria the study showed participants knowledge that mosquito repellant preventing malaria was
significantly associated with its control and prevention at odds ratio of 0.45(0.25-8.03) and p-value of 0.001, this
could be because majority of the people don’t, when compared with other studies, Studies by Humphrey et al, in
Tanzania [19], Use of mosquito coil /repellent, had a protective ratio of 0.6%, the study also showed that, Despite
of allergic reaction like asthma reported among pregnant women, about 37.8% were aware of the mosquito repellant
method and was more preferred. From the study also participants were asked if IPT prevents malaria in which
majority 14(82.4%) of those who tested positive said that IPT prevented malaria while 25(17.6) of those who tested
negative said that IPT did not prevent malaria the study showed that IPT preventing malaria was significantly
associated with its prevention and control at odds ratio of 0.51(0.32-3.61) and p-value of 0.126, the study shows that
mothers had good knowledge that IPT, prevents malaria but still suffered from it, this is different from a report by
Ministry of health, in 2021 which showed that In Uganda, most of the pregnant mothers are using; long lasting
insecticide treated mosquito nets to reduce on the mosquito bites, intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) during
gestation period, indoor residual spraying (IRS) and early diagnosis and effective treatment of malaria cases[20]
Attitude on malaria prevention and control among pregnant mothers
From the study showing association between attitude, malaria prevention and control in which 7(41.2%) of the
participants who tested positive said that it was true malaria could be prevented non pharmacologically while
76(47.2%) said that malaria can be prevented with drug use the study showed that mothers attitude that malaria
being prevented can be prevented pharmacologically was significantly associated with its prevention and control at
odds ratio of 0.47(0.31-3.69) and p-value of 0.009, this could be as a result of numerous media sensitizations made in
abide to sensitize mothers on malaria prevention, when compared with other studies, A study report by Ogba et al.,
[21] in Nigeria, had however showed that 68% of the pregnant women in rural areas still used herbs in prevention
and treatment of malaria though 41-80% of the pregnant women had information about more than one malaria
prevention and control measures like prophylaxis, use of nets and early diagnosis and treatment [21] In Uganda
survey showed that traditional medicine is widely used in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of febrile
convulsions, wounds, and many other conditions among pregnant mothers [22]. From the study participants were
also asked for their attitude on whether mosquito bites could be prevented in which 8(47.1%) of those who tested
positive and 91(56.5%) for those who were negative, said that it was true they can be prevented, the study showed
that mothers attitude that mosquito bites is preventable, was significantly associated with its control and prevention
at odds ratio of 0.52(0.28-6.15) and p-value 0.005, this is good for pregnant mothers since they can easily ensure
prophylactic measures against malaria, when compared with other studies, Uganda Ministry of health [20] had also
noted that, In Uganda, most of the pregnant mothers are using; long lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets to
reduce on the mosquito bites, intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) during gestation period, indoor residual
spraying (IRS) and early diagnosis and effective treatment of malaria cases. From the study participants were also
asked if ITNS are strictly for malaria prevention or can be used for other purposes, in which majority 14(82.4%)
of the participants who had tested positive said that it was true ITNS are only to be for malaria prevention , the
study showed that participants attitude on whether ITNS are strictly to be used for malaria prevention, was not
significantly associated with malaria prevention and control at odds ratio of 0.74(0.39-8.74) and p-value of 0.125,

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this could be because some people use, the mosquito nets for poultry rearing and fish farming due to lack of awareness
for their importance, when compared with studies, results are different from studies by Mbonye et al., [13] who had
stated that the majority of women, 628 (78.5 %) slept under an ITN a night before the survey; while less than a half,
159 (48.8 %) accessed two doses of SP. Few, 53 (16.3 %) received at least three doses of SP as recommended by the
current policy.
From the study also participants were asked if closing windows early prevents malaria in which majority 11(64.7%)
of malaria positive participants said that it was true while 18(11.1%) of the malaria negative participants said it was Page | 45
false, the study showed that however closing early was not significantly associated with malaria prevention and
control at odds ratio of 0.13(0.14-2.56) and p-value of 0.062, this study shows that some mothers still leave there
windows open in evening hours which could be a port entry for mosquitoes, when compared with other studies.
Chukwurah et al [23] had documented that malaria preventive strategies in Nigeria were also similar to those
practiced in Uganda and in other malaria-endemic countries, where, in addition to the use of insecticide sprays, doors
and windows are screened, or smoked oil being poured on stagnant water to control mosquitoes.
Practices on malaria control among pregnant women
From the study showing association between on malaria control and prevention, participants were assessed for how
many were sleeping in mosquito nets in which majority 15(88.2%), 141,(87.6%) malaria positive and negative
respectively, said that they were sleeping in mosquito nets the study showed that sleeping in mosquito net was
however not significantly associated with malaria prevention control and prevention at odds ratio of 0.87(0.06-9.01)
and p-value of 0.256, this could be due to periodic distribution of mosquito nets to mothers which has increased
percentage of mosquito net access among pregnant mothers, when compared with other studies. In Uganda,
maternal child health has improved the use of insecticide treated bed nets among mothers making it to be the most
cost-effective way to prevent malaria transmission. These bed nets can reduce malaria by as much as 90% in areas
of high coverage rates. From the study also participants were asked if they took IPT prophylaxis in which majority
10(58.8%) of the participants who tested positive said that they never took IPN prophylaxis as well as 37(23.0%) of
those who tested negative the study showed that taking IPT was significantly associated with malaria prevention
and control at odds ratio of 0.75(0.50-6.75%) and p-value of 0.015, this could be due to lack of access to drugs or just
mothers inactiveness to access them during ANC visits, when compared with other studies, when compared with
other studies, it shows a correlation with studies by Mbonye et al, [13] who had showed that, In Uganda,
approximately 1.5% have good attitude toward anti-malarial prophylaxis although, Most of the population does not
respond well with practice, that taking drugs before illness appear predispose one to liver problem; hence they tend
to avoid the prophylactic treatment [19-22]. From the study participants were asked if they used mosquito repellant
in which 3(17.6%) of those who tested positive said that they used mosquito repellant while 108(67.1%) of those who
tested negative said that they did not use mosquito repellant the study showed that use of mosquito repellant was
not significantly associated with malaria prevention and control at odds ratio of 0.62(0.01-1.06%) and p-value of
0.323, the study shows a few of the participants are able to access the mosquito repellants, when compared with
other Studies by [23-29] had also showed that use of mosquito coil /repellent, had a protective ratio of 0.6%, the
study also showed that, despite of allergic reaction like asthma reported among pregnant women, about 37.8% were
aware of the mosquito repellant method and was more preferred from the study also participants were assessed for
draining stagnant water from their surrounding in which 6(35.3%) of the participants who tested positive said that
they drained stagnant water while 117(72.7%) of the participants who tested negative said that they did not drain
stagnant water the study showed that draining stagnant water was however not significantly associated with malaria
prevention and control at odds ratio of 0.34(0.19-5.49) and p-value of 0.165, the study shows know practice of not
draining away stagnant water which could be a bleeding area for mosquitoes, when compared with other studies,
Abuya et al, [24] had also showed that, Cleaning of positive mosquitoes breeding and resting place helped to prevent
malaria in 48% of residents and about 4% of pregnant mother that report for each ANC visit are aware of cleaning
of positive mosquitoes breeding and resting place in order to prevent malaria spread.
CONCLUSION
There was a high malaria prevalence of 35(17.9%) among pregnant mothers in Hoima regional referral hospital.
There was poor knowledge of mothers regarding use of mosquito spray to kill mosquitoes although all the mothers
knew that it’s the mosquito bites that are associated with malaria. Equally there was poor attitude of mothers’
regards prevention of mosquito bites, since 52.9% believed that it’s hard to prevent mosquito bites. Low utilization
of IPT prophylaxis, (41.2%), low use of mosquito repellants (17.6%) and poor practice of draining away stagnant
water among malaria positive mothers was observed.

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RECOMMENDATION
Mass sensitization should be done regarding prevention and control of malaria among pregnant mothers. Ensure
continued supply of mosquito nets to pregnant mothers and increase on the supply. The study also recommends that
health worker should health educate people on the advantages of sleeping under mosquito nets to promote
intermittent preventive and treatment
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CITE AS: Mbabazi Cecilia and Mugenyi Michael. (2025). Knowledge, Attitude and
Practices on Malaria Prevention and Control among Pregnant Women Attending
Antenatal Care at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) In Hoima District.
NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY,
6(1):39-47. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJPP/2025/613947

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