Knowledge and Attitude of Pregnant Women Towards Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy at General Hospital Minna, Niger State

Malaria in pregnancy contributes substantially to maternal anaemia, low birth weight, and perinatal mortality in Nigeria, with intermittent preventive treatment using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) as the primary preventive strategy. This study assesses the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards IPTp-SP at General Hospital Minna, Niger State, North Central Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with 200 consecutive pregnant women attending antenatal clinic recruited over three months. A structured questionnaire measured knowledge of malaria risk in pregnancy, awareness of IPTp-SP, and attitude towards receiving IPTp-SP under direct observation of treatment. Sixty-one percent demonstrated adequate knowledge of malaria risk in pregnancy, but only 38 percent correctly identified sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine as the recommended preventive agent. Attitude towards IPTp was positive in 72 percent, though 28 percent expressed concern about drug side effects. Knowledge was significantly associated with educational level and exposure to health education sessions at clinic. Only 44 percent of respondents had received the recommended three or more doses. The study identifies knowledge gaps and attitudinal barriers that limit IPTp uptake at Minna General Hospital and recommends strengthened health education at every antenatal visit, including counselling on drug safety and the benefits of adherence. Integration of community health worker malaria messaging with the Niger State Ministry of Health malaria programme is advocated. Keywords: malaria in pregnancy, IPTp, knowledge, Niger State, antenatal care