Malaria in pregnancy remains a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with adverse health outcomes for mothers and foetuses. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, practices and factors associated with malaria preventive practices among pregnant women among antenatal care attendants in the Weija-Gbawe Municipality, Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 239 pregnant women attending ANC services. Data were collected using Kobo collect as a data collection tool and analysed using Stata. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including frequencies, percentages, chi-square tests and logistic regression model were employed to identify factors associated with malaria prevention practices. Most participants demonstrated high knowledge 209 (87.5%) and positive attitudes 194 (81.2%) toward malaria prevention. However, only 74.5% reported good preventive practices. Only 48 (20%) always slept under the mosquito net. Majority 165 (69.2%) took anti-malarial drugs to prevent malaria. Over 81 (34%) reported inconsistent use of mosquito nets, and stockouts of antimalarial drugs 29 (12.1%) were cited as barriers. Key factors significantly associated with improved practices included cohabiting marital status (AOR = 4.55; 95% CI: 1.01–20.43), prior malaria testing during pregnancy (AOR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.09–6.28), and positive attitudes toward prevention (AOR = 7.54; 95% CI: 3.15–18.03). Despite high awareness, gaps persist in translating knowledge into consistent preventive practices. Interventions should prioritize addressing systemic barriers, enhancing partner support, and strengthening education programs to reinforce positive attitudes. These measures are critical to reducing the burden of malaria in pregnancy and achieving maternal health targets in malaria-endemic regions.
Ampofo et al. (Thu,) studied this question.