Knowledge, Uptake and Therapeutic Effectiveness of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) among Pregnant Women Attending the Antenatal Clinic at Ayeduase Health Centre in Oforikrom Municipality in the Ashanti-Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background Malaria is a life-threatening disease, and in pregnancy, it has been recognized to pose a substantial threat to mothers, fetuses and neonates and accounted for 15% of all maternal deaths globally in 2015. MiP poses a significant threat, and globally, it is associated with approximately 10,000 maternal deaths each year. In sub-Saharan Africa, it is projected that approximately 25 million pregnant women in this region are at risk of contracting P. falciparum malaria infection annually. In Ghana, the overall prevalence of MiP was 20.4% among pregnant women in the middle belt of Ghana. MiP causes maternal anaemia, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm delivery and low birth weight; however, it is preventable and curable. Despite the implementation of the IPTp-SP policy in Ghana, coverage remains low. This study assessed the knowledge, uptake and therapeutic effectiveness of IPTp-SP among pregnant women visiting the antenatal clinic at the Ayeduase Health Centre. Methodology The study employed an analytical cross-sectional design, and a total of 187 pregnant women attending ANC at the Ayeduase Health Centre were surveyed. The collected data were exported into the Stata Corp 17 version for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed, and logistic regression was used to test associations between the dependent and independent variables. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant at a 95% confidence level. Results All pregnant women (100%) had ever heard of IPTp-SP, and 94.7% knew of its benefit in pregnancy. Notably, health providers were the major source of information for approximately 94% of pregnant women, and a higher level of knowledge on IPTp-SP was found among 92.0% of pregnant women. The prevalence of anaemia and MiP was found to be low (4.8% and 9.7%, respectively). Optimal uptake (≥ 3 doses) of IPTp-SP was high among (61.3%) pregnant women. Therapeutic effectiveness was high among (86.6%) pregnant women. Having 3-4 live births (AOR=4.4 95% Cl: [1.98-9.56], p<0.001), first ANC initiation in the 2nd trimester and 3rd trimester of their current pregnancy (AOR=0.4 95% Cl: [0.21-0.89], 0.022), IPTp-SP intake in their 3rd trimester (AOR =0.1 95% Cl: [0.03-0.37], <0.001) and therapeutic effectiveness (AOR=3.4 95% Cl: [1.08-11. ], p=0.037). were significantly associated with ≥3 doses of IPTp-SP. Conclusion The initiation of ANC and the uptake of optimal doses of IPTp-SP are crucial elements in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Educating pregnant women on these aspects is imperative for enhancing their overall well-being and ensuring positive outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth.