Chemoprophylaxis for malaria - in pregnancy by public and private health providers in Lagos

Abstract

Objectives: Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problems contributing significantly to high morbidity and mortality. Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy (IPTp) is a key intervention in the national strategy for malaria control, Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine, the current drug of choice, is recommended to be administered in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy during antenatal care (ANC) visits. Aim was therefore, to determine and compare the provision of chemoprevention using intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) in public and private secondary hospitals in Lagos State.Method: This is a comparative, cross sectional study that assessed the factors influencing health care providers -provision of chemoprohylaxis -in public and private secondary health facilities in Lagos State. Data was collected using a pretested questionnaires administered to 302 healthcare providers selected through multistage sampling. Data generated was analysed with Epi-Info 2012 version. Results:The private providers had a better practice and provision of chemotherapy. Only 69.0% of public providers and 74.8% of private providers prescribed IPT using sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine. The private providers were more aware of the timing (recommended time to give IPTp) of IPTp. Conclusion:Both public and private health care providers have not fully embraced the evidence based World Health Organization recommendation of administration of least two doses of sulphadoxinepyrimethamine for malaria in pregnancy.