Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice on Malaria Prevention and Treatment among Pregnant Women in Karatu District, Arusha Region, Tanzania

The spread of Malaria has been increasing rapidly in many Sub-Saharan countries including Tanzania. The increase in mortality rate caused by Malaria among people including pregnant women is contributed mainly by the absence of sufficient knowledge, attitudes, and practices of how to prevent and treat Malaria. This study explored knowledge, attitudes, and practice among pregnant women in Malaria prevention and treatment in Endabash Ward, Karatu District, Tanzania. Pregnant women are vulnerable to Malaria due to invasion of the placenta by Plasmodium. This study involved a Descriptive Cross-Sectional Design. The study used Mixed Approach. Data were collected through In-Depth Interview (IDI), Focused Group Discussion (FGD), and Questionnaire. It was found that the majority of pregnant women had an understanding of the meaning, transmission, signs and symptoms and ways of preventing and treating Malaria. However, there were some pregnant women who still lacked knowledge on this condition. It is recommended that policy-makers should improve knowledge and control strategies on Malaria in this population.