Determinants of Malaria Treatment among Pregnant Women in Ondo State, Nigeria

Studies on malaria related maternal mortality in Nigeria have focused largely on preventive behaviours and healthcare providers’ knowledge of treatment regimen. Negligible attention has been paid to the proximate determinants and patterns of treatment adopted by care seekers in relevant contexts. Employing both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, the study established that malaria treatment among pregnant women in the area was influenced by social, residential and demographic factors in both rural and urban areas of the state. Expectant mothers without formal education reported high adherence to medication (r=-631 p< .034) than those of higher educational status, indicating that the level of education does not necessarily influence adherence to medication. Mother in-laws contributed remarkably to household social and counseling support and were the major determinants of choice of treatment options. Informal care providers remained essential part of maternal healthcare delivery in the absence of a functional formal medical system.