RESOURCE CENTRE MANUAL
HEALTHLINK WORLDWIDE
7.10.1 Examples of abstracts
These abstracts describe an article in the East African Medical Journal about
research into the use of malaria prophylaxis among pregnant women.
Indicative abstract
Assesses how the knowledge of malaria and the perceived effectiveness of
malaria control methods affect the use of malaria prophylaxis by pregnant
women attending an antenatal clinic in Tanzania.
Informative abstract
Knowledge, perception and use of malaria prophylaxis was assessed among
301 pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
It was found that women with a high knowledge of malaria were more likely to
use malaria prophylaxis than those with low knowledge. However, there was
no significant association between knowledge of malaria and perceived
effectiveness of the various methods of malaria control. Occurrence of malaria
episodes was reported to be similar among users and non-users of malaria
prophylaxis, probably owing to inconsistent use of malaria prophylaxis. It is
suggested that in addition to chemophrophylaxis, pregnant women should be
encouraged to use bed nets in combination with mosquito repellants
throughout the course of pregnancy.
Evaluative abstract
The article discusses research undertaken to assess knowledge, perception and
utilisation of malaria prophylaxis in pregnant women attending an antenatal
clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It begins with a review of the current
research literature on the adverse effects of malaria during pregnancy, the
benefits of chemoprophylaxis, and issues relating to non-compliance.
It then details research methodology and results, and possible factors that
might affect the results. As the research showed no significant associations, and
the occurrence of malaria episodes was reported to be similar among users and
non-users of malaria prophylaxis, suggestions are made concerning methods for
the prevention of malaria during pregnancy.
SECTION 7: INFORMATION SERVICES
19