Identifying Factors Associated with Low Use of Intermittent Malaria Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy: Healthy Moms and Babies Program

Malaria during pregnancy remains a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. Current strategies to prevent malaria in pregnancy and promote health include the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp). Despite the availability of IPTp service in all health clinics in Zambia, Lufwanyama district has continued recording low utilisation of this service. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with the low utilisation of IPT of malaria among pregnant women attending antenatal (ANC) clinics in Lufwanyama. A cross-sectional study interviewed 382 pregnant women attending ANC clinics in Lufwanyama using simple random sampling. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 after all variables were coded. Validation of findings was set at 95% CI with a p-value <0.05. This study revealed that the following variables were significantly associated with low IPTp utilisation or completion of the three IPTp doses: knowledge levels about IPTp; number of antenatal visits made; gestational age of pregnancy at first antenatal visit; gestational age of pregnancy; timing of first dose of fansidar; use of traditional medicine; health workers behaviour towards pregnant women; wait times; and perception of fansidar. These factors perpetuated low attendance to ANC schedules and non-adherence towards completion of the three recommended IPTp doses. Healthcare workers should intensify sensitization on IPTp service and benefits through training on effective health promotion strategies. Keywords: Malaria, Pregnant women, Intermittent Preventive Treatments in pregnancy (IPTp), Antenatal care, Insecticide Treated Nets, Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine, Health Promotion