Abstract:

Introduction: Malaria infection during pregnancy is a major health problem which higher risk for the mother, foetus and neonates transmitted by P. falciparum and is predominantly in Africa. IPTp of malaria is a full therapeutic course of antimalarial drugs given to pregnant women at routine ANC visits regardless of whether the recipient is infected with malaria. IPTp reduces maternal malaria episodes, maternal and foetal anaemia, placental parasitaemia, low birth weight and neonatal mortality.

Methodology: A cross sectional study selection of participants in a non-probability convenient sampling method was used through semi structured questionnaires to obtain data from pregnant women. The obtained data was validated and compiled for analysis. Data entry first involved Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet prior analysis performed using STATA version 13.

Results: The study involved 396 pregnant women. Of about 74.75% admitted to have heard of IPTp, 66.16% knew the IPTp drug that they were required to take and over 50% mentioned SP and the source they heard about IPTp-SP. However, 59.34 had no idea on the frequency of dose they were supposed to take the IPTp-SP. 60.51% respondents found it beneficial for them to take IPTp-SP without being tested positive for malaria. More than half of the respondents had taken at least one dose of IPTp-SP and took under DOT-scheme.

Conclusion: The level of awareness, attitude and practice IPTp-SP has increased among pregnant women and health practioners due to increased sensitization programs that were suggested from previous studies. These findings underscore to create more need of awareness and improve knowledge on IPTp pregnant and all women of child bearing age.