Factors Associated With the Use of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria among Pregnant Women in Central Uganda

Abstract

Malaria is highly endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and is associated with serious consequences in pregnant women. The World Health Organization as a result, prescribes for pregnant women in the region, the use of Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP). The Uganda National Malaria Control Programme also recommends the use of intermittent preventive therapy in pregnancy with sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine(SP) to prevent malaria; however there is overwhelming evidence of low uptake of this intervention. This the study aimed at finding out the factors associated with the use of intermitted preventive treatment among pregnant women in central Uganda using the 2016 UDHS data. Data analysis was done at two levels which include univariate and bivariate level. The results from the study showed that majority of the women who were considered were between the age group 25-34(44%), had attained primary education (54%), and resided in rural areas (67.2%). The highest proportion of the women belonged to the rich household with (67%), were Catholics (35%), currently in union (76%) and made joint decisions regarding health issues (41%). Results further revealed that 79% of these women took sp/fansidar during pregnancy. The study showed that factors that influenced use of Intermittent Preventive Treatment during pregnancy included socio-economic and demographic related. These were: place of residence, education, age, wealth, marital status, and religion. The study therefore, recommended that the government must ensure that it continually prioritizes the most vulnerable communities considering the region’s limited usage, and in fulfillment of its commitment under the ministry of health package. It is undeniable that the government of Uganda has many human development challenges to address; however, low use of Intermittent Preventive Treatment undermines all fundamental rights and should thus be given priority especially in communities that are unable to access their Intermittent Preventive Treatment. And this should be done through reducing the differences between the places of residence.