Patterns of Antimalarial Drug Use Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Anambra State

Malaria in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and poor birth outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa, and the rational use of antimalarials during antenatal care is critical to prevention strategies. This study assessed patterns of antimalarial drug use among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at three public hospitals in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 250 antenatal clinic attendees using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data collected included antimalarial medications received or self-purchased, knowledge of malaria in pregnancy, use of intermittent preventive therapy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, and insecticide-treated bed net use. Results showed that 78.4 percent of respondents were aware of malaria in pregnancy. IPTp receipt was confirmed in 62.8 percent, but only 41.2 percent had received two or more doses as recommended by national guidelines. Self-medication with artemisinin-based combination therapies, without professional guidance, was reported by 34.4 percent of respondents. A concerning 12.4 percent reported use of quinine in the first trimester, contrary to current safety guidelines. Knowledge of correct dosing for sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine IPTp was low among non-health worker respondents. The study concludes that antimalarial drug use patterns in this population deviate from national guidelines and recommends strengthened provider education, enhanced antenatal counselling on safe antimalarial use, and community-based interventions to reduce self-medication with antimalarials during pregnancy.

Keywords: antimalarial drugs, pregnancy, antenatal care, Anambra State, malaria prevention