ISSN: 2578-5001
Authors: Otieno OM*, Nyawanda OB, Odhiambo OD, Oduol OC, Ayugi OJ, Ochieng OW, Otieno AN, Oneko M and Ayodo G
Aim: We aim to assess and evaluate the knowledge and perception of pregnant women towards ACT use in the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods: The Study was conducted in Siaya County, Western Kenya from January 2019 to Dec 2019. Pregnant women who had attended ANC clinic in the two hospitals were recruited and semi-structured questionnaires were administered to them to obtain socio-demographic information and knowledge of ACT use in the first trimester of pregnancy. Results: Most participants 90%, knew at least one type of ACT (Artemether Lumefantrine), the most common malaria drug in the region, and could name at least two common malaria symptoms fever 92.3% and shivering 82.8%. Majority of the participants who stated that they had been exposed to malaria stated to have been prescribed AL for treatment and reported nausea 22.78% and dizziness 19.41% as the most common side effects experienced after consuming the drugs. There was low awareness of adverse pregnancy outcomes due to exposure to ACTs in the first trimester of pregnancy Conclusion: The most common ACT used for malaria treatment was AL. Most pregnant women had little knowledge about the effects of using an Artemisinin-based combination for malaria treatment in the first trimester of pregnancy. There is a need for more training for pregnant women, community health volunteers, and healthcare professionals on the proper use of ACT during pregnancy.
Keywords: Knowledge; Perception; ACT use; First Trimester
