Perceived Psychosocial and Economic Burdens of Malaria in Pregnant Women in Obiyon Amendokian Community, Esan North East, Edo State

Abstract

Malaria remains a significant public health concern, particularly among women pregnant in malaria-endemic regions. This study aims to determine the psychosocial and economic burden of malaria in pregnancy among women in Obiyon Community, Uromi, Edo State. A descriptive survey design was applied, with a population of [1520] registered pregnant women for a period of four weeks in 2024, and a sample size of 380. Descriptive analysis using mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage, alongside inferential analysis using chi-square statistics, was conducted to test the hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings reveal that malaria during pregnancy exerts a profound impact on women in Obiyon Community, affecting them across psychosocial, economic, health, and socio-cultural dimensions. Demographic variables such as age, marital status, educational level, and occupation significantly influence the extent and nature of these burdens. Health-wise, malaria increases the risk of severe complications for both mothers and unborn babies, contributing to maternal mortality, and adverse birth outcomes like low birth weight. Psychosocially, affected women experience heightened social isolation anxiety, emotional stress, and economically influence high cost of medical bills associated with the disease. This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive malaria control strategies that address both the medical and broader psychosocial and economic challenges faced by pregnant women in this community.