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The Use Of Traditional Medicine In The Treatment Of Malaria Among Pregnant Women
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Kyomuhendo (2005) noted that pregnant women decisions regarding health
and antenatal care attendance are influenced by the patriarchal system
of society that gives men control over resources to the disadvantage of
women. This study therefore, aims at examining the use of traditional
medicine in the treatment of malaria among pregnant women in Abraka,
Delta State, Nigeria.
Statement of the Problem
Malaria infection
during pregnancy is a major public health problem in tropical and
subtropical regions throughout the world and Nigeria in Particular. The
burden of malaria infection during pregnancy is caused mainly by
Plasmodium falciparum, the most common malaria species in Africa (WHO,
2010). Pregnant women and the unborn children are particularly
vulnerable to malaria, which is a major cause of prenatal mortality, low
birth weight, and maternal anaemia (Greenwood, 2007). Malaria during
pregnancy compounds or provokes anaemia, which, when severe, increases
the risk of maternal death (estimated at around 10,000 deaths annually),
low birth weight (linked to around 100,000 annual infant deaths in
Africa), pre-term delivery, congenital infection and reproductive loss
of overwhelming morbidity and mortality (Fakeye, 2009).
There have
been a considerable number of reports about poor knowledge, attitudes,
and practices among pregnant women relating to malaria and its control
from different parts of Africa. The disease remains the world’s most
important tropical health challenge. Access to medical care is limited
in many malaria-endemic areas and where medical services exist, they
commonly lack facilities for laboratory diagnosis, and treatment option.
This forces these pregnant women to use various forms of substances and
traditional herbs for curing malaria.
Purpose of the Study
The
main objective of the study is to examine the use of traditional
medicine in the treatment of malaria among pregnant women in Abraka,
Delta State. While, the specific purpose includes;
1. To determine
influence of socio-economic status on the use of traditional herbs in
the treatment of malaria among pregnant women.
2. To find out the
extent to which the age of pregnant women determine the use of
traditional herbs for the treatment of malaria.
3. To find out the
extent to which the level of education of pregnant women determine the
use of traditional herbs for the treatment of malaria.
4. To examine
the extent to which the locality of pregnant women determine the use of
locally made herbs for treatment of malaria.
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