Factors associated with uptake of optimal dose of IPTP-SP among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of Soroti district, Uganda

Abstract Malaria in pregnancy is a major Public Health problem globally especially in low- and middle-income countries, because it contributes significantly to maternal, foetal, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Uptake of up to three doses (optimal dose) of intermittent preventive treatment using sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) has been shown to prevent malaria in pregnancy and placental malaria. We aimed to determine the factors associated with the uptake of optimal dose of IPTp-SP among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Soroti District. A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in Soroti District between March and June 2023. Three hundred and forty-three pregnant women at 36 weeks gestation or more were enrolled into the study. Sociodemographic, obstetric, knowledge on malaria and health care service delivery factors were collected from the women to determine the factors associated with uptake of optimal dose of IPTpSP. Uptake of optimal dose of IPTp-SP was 86.6%. Factors associated with uptake of optimal dose of IPTp-SP were: knowledge about dangers of malaria in pregnancy (aOR: 2.42, 95%CI: 1.19–4.91), knowledge about IPTp-SP benefits (aOR: 4.15, 95%CI: 2.10–8.23) and having enough clean cups at the ANC clinic to facilitate directly observed therapy (DOT) (aOR 5.43, 95% CI: 2.44–12.1). Uptake of optimal dose of IPTp-SP was high. Knowledge about dangers of malaria in pregnancy, IPTp-SP benefits and, always having enough clean cups at the ANC to implement DOT were associated with optimal IPTp-SP uptake. There is need to increase awareness among pregnant women and facilitate Directly Observed Therapy in antenatal clinics as these will improve IPTp-SP uptake.