ASSESSING THE USE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN THE TREATMENT OF MALARIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to examine the use of traditional medicine in the treatment of malaria among pregnant women in Abraka, Delta State.  The study adopted a survey research design and conveniently enrolled 147 participants in the study.Well structured questionnaire was issued to the participant which provided answers to the research questions. A total of 141 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from pregnant women between the age of 20-45 in selected healthcare centre in Abraka, Delta State. Hypothesis was tested using T-test statistical tool (SPSS). The result of the findings reveals that; there is a significant difference between the Socioeconomic status in use of traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria among pregnant women in Abraka, there is a significant difference between the age groups in the use of traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria by of pregnant women in Abraka, there is a significant difference between the levels of Education in the use of traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria among pregnant women in Abraka. And there is a significant difference between Urban and Rural areas in the use of traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria by pregnant women in Abraka. The researcher therefore recommends that the Delta State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Malaria support program should intensify support for radio jingles on TRADITIONAL TREATMENT with herbs in all the radio station in the state and the sub-station in the LGAs and the health workers in the ANCs should have well planned health education schedules for the year and this should include malaria in pregnancy and traditional treatment. Schedules should be followed religiously so that the pregnant women are well educated. Emphasis should be made on consequences of malaria to pregnant women and their unborn baby, to mention but a few.