Dynamics of extra-medical attitude-related among pregnant women in the Kirotshe health zone in North Kivu, eastern DRC

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study, therefore, was to analyze the extra-medical factors related to attitude and malaria prevention among pregnant women. Results: We found out that the shame of pregnancy (β = -0.225; p≤ 0.05) and attitudes towards allopathic medicine (β = 0.373; p≤ 0.05) were the most significant attitude factors influencing malaria prevention practices and the likelihood of contracting malaria. Most pregnant women in the area (control 41.8%; case 82.9%; p≤ 0.05) reported that pregnancy shame prevented them from seeking and adhering to malaria preventive treatment. Also, the women in the area had negative opinions towards modern medicine (control 49.4%; case 61.3%; p≤ 0.05). Recommendation: We recommend that women of reproductive age, especially adolescents should be sensitized by community health workers and other leaders on the need to accept their pregnancy when it occurs. Efforts should also be made to educate pregnant women about malaria prevention and help dispel myths associated with conventional medicine for malaria prevention.