Uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy for Malaria in Ghana: Further Analysis of the 2016 Malaria Indicator Survey

Abstract

Significant proportions of pregnant women living in malaria-endemic countries throughout the world are exposed to the risk of malaria. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests the use of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) in at least three doses toachieve the optimal benefit of preventing malaria among pregnant women. To examine the uptake of partial and optimal doses, we conducted a secondary data analysis of the 2016 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey (GMIS) using multivariate analysis. The analysis included a total of 1,220 women age 15-49 who had children under age 24 months and who attended antenatal care (ANC) during their pregnancy. The results show that, overall, the proportion of women in Ghana with uptake of IPTp-SP during pregnancy was 63% for three or more doses, 27% for one to two doses, and 10% for no dose. Uptake varies by background characteristics. Sociodemographic factors—women’s age, wealth status, region, religion, ethnicity—and knowledge-related factors—exposure to messages on treatment of malaria—predicted partial (1-2 doses) or optimal uptake (3+ doses) of IPTp-SP compared to no uptake among pregnant women. Binary regression analysis of uptake of optimal doses of IPTp-SP compared to partial uptake showed significantly higher odds of uptake among women who were exposed to media messages on treatment of malaria. The Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Control Program, Ghana Health Service, and other stakeholders should take cognizance of these factors in planning programs for improving uptake of IPTp- SP among pregnant women. Efforts should be made by stakeholders to increase women’s exposure to mass media messages on the use of IPTp-SP for malaria during pregnancy.