Knowledge, Attitude and Perception in the Utilization of Insecticide-Treated Bed-Nets and Commonness of Malaria among selected Expectant Mothers Attending Ante-Natal in Ahoada Zonal Hospital, Ahoada, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: No documented information exists on the utilization and compliance of expectant mothers to the utilisation of insecticide-treated bed-nets and management of malaria within the studied area. This investigation was designed to ascertain knowledge, attitude and perception and commonness of malaria parasites among expectant mothers attending ante-natal clinic (ANC) in Ahoada Zonal Hospital. In total, 120 expectant mothers were selected randomly during the ANC clinic in Ahoada. Structured questionnaires were administered in the investigation design. Data on occupation, parity, symptoms used to recognize malaria, treatment bases, knowledge factors, control measures, anti-vector measures, health-seeking practices, and malaria parasitaemia were recorded. The result showed that 88.33% of the expectant mothers knew insecticide-treated bed-nets (ITNs), 61.32% possess ITNs while only 18.46% utilized the ITNs while 81.54% do not utilise ITNs, reasons were ineffectiveness, itching, dislike, excessive heat and no reason at all. The result further showed that 75.00% of those that utilise ITNs test negative for malaria parasites. In conclusion, ITNs were effective for controlling malaria parasites while attitude towards utilisation of the ITNs within the investigation area was very poor. Hence, it was suggested that sensitization is needed to educate the populace, especially those living within the investigation area and its environs. Keywords: Ahoada, Ante-natal, Attitude, Knowledge, Malaria, Perception, Expectant mothers’. Title: Knowledge, Attitude and Perception in the Utilization of Insecticide-Treated Bed-Nets and Commonness of Malaria among selected Expectant Mothers Attending Ante-Natal in Ahoada Zonal Hospital, Ahoada, Rivers State, Nigeria Author: Elele, K, Eze, M. E. International Journal of Novel Research in Healthcare and Nursing ISSN 2394-7330 Vol. 9, Issue 2, May 2022 - August 2022 Page No: 24-29 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 14-May-2022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6548176 Paper Download Link (source): https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Knowledge%20Attitude-14052022-1.pdfInternational Journal of Novel Research in Healthcare and Nursing, ISSN 2394-7330, Novelty Journals, Website: www.noveltyjournals.co