Abstract: The poor adherence to the use of Intermittent preventive treatment using sulphadoxine –pyrimethamine among pregnant women in Nigeria, contributes to the high prevalence of Malaria in pregnancy and its consequences on mother and the newborn. The objective of this study was to determine the perception of pregnant women on the factors responsible for non-adherence in the selected Primary Healthcare Centres of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Methods and materials: The study was a qualitative exploratory study using focus group discussion and in-depth interviews among pregnant women 13 to 32weeks gestation in four primary healthcare clinics of two Local government areas of Plateau state, Nigeria. The participants were selected by systematic sampling technique at the Antenatal clinics with discussions and interviews stratified by parity and educational status.
Results: The study revealed that pregnant women who were allowed to take their Sulphadoxine - Pyrimethamine home mostly forgot to use it; some others complained that they were non-adherent due to lack of awareness or education on the relevance of Intermittent preventive treatment. Few multigravidae interviewed revealed side effects to the medication in previous pregnancies as a factor while majority admitted to deliberate non-use on account of the experience of side effects experienced by families and friends. Their opinion on ensuring adherence included: Awareness campaigns, health education, provision of alternative medication, counseling and supervision.
Conclusion: Lack of awareness, fear/ experience of side effects and forgetfulness were reasons identified which impeded adherence to intermittent preventive treatment by pregnant women in this study despite its availability. Targeted health education, counselling and supervision were suggested as the interventions which may improve uptake.
Keywords: Pregnant women, Intermittent Preventive Treatment, Adherence, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Title: PERCEPTION OF FACTORS AFFECTING UPTAKE OF SULPHADOXINE-PYRIMETHAMINE FOR INTERMITTENT PREVENTIVE TREATMENT OF MALARIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN SELECTED PRIMARY HEALTHCARE FACILITIES JOS, PLATEAU STATE NIGERIA
Author: Osagie Ize Anuoluwapo, Envuladu Esther Awazzi, Mohammed Amina, Zoakah Ayuba Ibrahim
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
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