Dynamics of Extra-Medical Attitude-Related among Pregnant Women in The Kirotshe Health Zone in North Kivu, Eastern DRC

Abstract

Malaria remains a significant public health problem, particularly in southern countries such as the DRC, although the disease is preventable and curable. Pregnant women are among those most at risk of contracting the disease. However, the importance of these extra-medical factors particularly attitude and their potential impact on pregnant women at risk of contracting malaria in the Democratic Republic of Congo are largely poorly documented. Objective: The aim of the study, therefore, was to analyze the extra-medical factors related to attitude and malaria prevention among pregnant women. Method: The study was carried out in the Kirotshe health zone. A sample size of 318 pregnant women were selected for the study. Also, healthcare professionals working in public health facilities in the region were also included in the study. We targeted pregnant women in the area who contracted malaria (cases) and those who did not contract malaria (controls) during pregnancy. We used both retrospective matched case-control study design and correlational design. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire and an interview guide and was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. 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). Conclusion: The study, therefore, concludes that extra-medical attitudinal factors were significantly related to the risk of contracting malaria among pregnant women in Kirotshe health zone, North Kivu province, DRC. 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.