Certain Health Messages Could Have a Negative Effect on the Prevention and Treatment of Malaria During Pregnancy

A study published in Malaria Journal has determined that preventive health messages could be having a negative effect on the prevention and treatment of malaria during pregnancy in particular contexts. The research was undertaken by investigators from CRESIB—ISGlobal's Research Center—and the Center for Social Science and Global Health of the University of Amsterdam.

The qualitative study was based on interviews, focus groups and observations in local communities in Ghana, Malawi and Kenya. The objective was to explore how social and cultural factors influence the acceptance and uptake of malaria prevention and control measures in pregnancy, including intermittent preventive treatment, insecticide-treated nets and appropriate case management. The study leader, Robert Pool, a researcher in CRESIB and the Center for Social Science and Global Health explains, "The aim of the study—which was conducted at four endemic sites in three African countries—was to gain insights that would help us to tailor the measures used to combat malaria in pregnant women to the social and cultural context of the country".

The study found that bed nets were generally seen as important for malaria prevention in pregnancy and valued positively, but that certain health messages reduced their use in particular contexts. The findings also revealed the importance of side effects on women's subsequent adherence to treatments administered to treat or prevent malaria in pregnancy. "Although adherence to intermittent preventive treatment was common at all the study sites, some women did not comply with treatment, often citing previous side effects such as vomiting," explains lead author Christopher Pell, a researcher at the University of Amsterdam's Center for Social Science and Global Health.

The study concluded that pregnant women in areas where malaria is endemic in these African countries generally follow the advice of medical personnel concerning malaria prevention and control. However, previous experience of treatment and the availability and affordability of medicines, including antimalarials, can sometimes reduce adherence.

Reference

Pell C, Meñaca A, Afrah NA, Manda-Taylor L, Chatio S, Were F, Hodgson A, Hamel MJ, Kalilani L, Tagbor H, Pool R. Prevention and management of malaria during pregnancy: findings from a comparative qualitative study in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi. Malar J. 2013 Nov 20;12(1):427.