Abstract:
Background: Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) tablets is one of the recommended interventions to reduce the burden of malaria on both the pregnant woman and the unborn child. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of IPTp-SP uptake and its associated factors in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of Ashanti Region, Ghana. Methods: The study was cross sectional. A structured questionnaire was administered to 394 respondents, comprising pregnant women in their last two months of pregnancy and nursing mothers who delivered within three months prior to the study. Medical records of the respondents were also reviewed. Descriptive statistics such as simple proportions, and averages were computed. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with IPTp-SP uptake. Results: The average age of the respondents was 28.2 (�5.9) years. Almost all of the respondents (98%) had received SP at the time of the study. Fifty percent received their first dose of SP between 16 and 19 weeks of gestation. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between IPTp-SP uptake and educational level, time of first ANC visit, number of ANC visits and receiving education on SP prior to the administration of the drug. Conclusion: Education on SP use should be intensified at all levels of the health system. Early initiation of ANC is also recommended for optimal uptake of IPTp-SP. More research is needed to understand factors affecting the uptake of SP during pregnancy in the country. � 2022 The Author(s).
Description:
Kumah, E., Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana; Duvor, F., Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University College of Ghana, Ghana; Otchere, G., Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana, Faculty of Humanities, Center for Medicine and Society, University of Freiburg, Germany; Ankomah, S.E., Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Fusheini, A., Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, Center for Health Literacy and Rural Health Promotion, Accra, Ghana; Kokuro, C., Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Karikari, A.K., Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana; Adom, J., Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana