scholarly journals Trust, community health workers and delivery of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy: a comparative qualitative analysis of four sub-Saharan countries

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Cristina Enguita-Fernàndez ◽  
Yara Alonso ◽  
Wade Lusengi ◽  
Alain Mayembe ◽  
Manu F. Manun’Ebo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
In Pregnancy

scholarly journals A Cluster Randomized Trial of Delivery of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy at the Community Level in Malawi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Rubenstein ◽  
Jobiba Chinkhumba ◽  
Ethel Chilima ◽  
Collins Kwizombe ◽  
Ashley Malpass ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
Difference In Differences ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Malaria in pregnancy doubles the risk of low birthweight and causes 11% of all neonatal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. To prevent these and other adverse health consequences, the World Health Organization recommends administering intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine for all pregnant women at each antenatal care (ANC) visit, starting as early as possible in the second trimester. The target is for countries to administer a minimum of three doses (IPTp3+) to at least 85% of pregnant women. Methods A cluster randomized, controlled trial was conducted to assess the effect of delivery of IPTp by community health workers on the coverage of IPTp3+ and ANC visits in Malawi. Community delivery of IPTp was implemented within two districts in Malawi over a 21-month period, from November 2018 to July 2020. In control sites, IPTp was delivered at health facilities. Representative samples of women who delivered in the prior 12 months were surveyed at baseline (n=370, December 2017) and endline (n=687, August 2020). A difference in differences analysis was conducted to assess the change in coverage of IPTp and ANC over time, accounting for clustering at the health facility level. Results Overall IPTp coverage increased over the study period. At baseline, women received a mean of 2.3 IPTp doses (range 0–5 doses) across both arms, and at endline, women received a mean of 2.8 doses (range 0–9 doses). Despite overall increases, the change in IPTp3+ coverage was not significantly different between intervention and control groups (6.9%, 95% CI: -5.9%, 19.6%). ANC4+ coverage increased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group, with a difference-in-differences of 25.3 percentage points (95% CI: 1.3%, 49.3%). Conclusions In order to reduce the burden of malaria in pregnancy, new strategies are needed to improve uptake of effective interventions such as IPTp. While community health workers’ delivery of IPTp did not increase uptake in this study, they may be effective in other settings or circumstances. Further research can help identify the health systems characteristics that are conducive to community delivery of IPTp and the operational requirements for effective implementation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03376217. Registered December 6, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03376217

scholarly journals Malaria Knowledge and Experiences with Community Health Workers among Recently Pregnant Women in Malawi

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Malpass ◽  
Jobiba Chinkhumba ◽  
Elizabeth Davlantes ◽  
John Munthali ◽  
Katherine Wright ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
World Health ◽  
P Value ◽  
To Receive ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends three or more doses of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) to mitigate the negative effects of malaria in pregnancy (MIP). Many pregnant women in Malawi are not receiving the recommended number of doses. Community delivery of IPTp (cIPTp) is being piloted as a new approach to increase coverage. This survey assessed recently pregnant women’s knowledge of MIP and their experiences with community health workers (CHWs) prior to implementing cIPTp.Methods Data were collected via a household survey in Ntcheu and Nkhata Bay Districts, Malawi, from women aged 16-49 years who had a pregnancy resulting in a live birth in the previous 12 months. Survey questions were primarily open response and utilized review of the woman’s health passport whenever possible. Analyses accounted for selection weighting and clustering at the health facility level and explored heterogeneity between districts.Results A total of 370 women were interviewed. Women in both districts found their CHWs to be helpful (77.9%), but only 35.7% spoke with a CHW about antenatal care and 25.8% received assistance for malaria during their most recent pregnancy. A greater proportion of women in Nkhata Bay than Ntcheu reported receiving assistance with malaria from a CHW (42.7% vs 21.9%, p=0.01); women in Nkhata Bay were more likely to cite IPTp-SP as a way to prevent MIP (41.0% vs 24.8%, p=0.02) and were more likely to cite mosquito bites as the only way to spread malaria (70.6% vs 62.0% p=.03). Women in Nkhata Bay were more likely to receive 3+ doses of IPTp-SP (IPTp3) (59.2% vs 41.8%, p=0.0002). Adequate knowledge was associated with increased odds of receiving IPTp3, although not statistically significantly so (adjusted odds ratio = 1.50, 95% confidence interval 0.97- 2.32, p-value 0.066).Conclusions Women reported positive experiences with CHWs, but there was not a focus on MIP. Women in Nkhata Bay were more likely to be assisted by a CHW, had better knowledge, and were more likely to receive IPTp3+. Increasing CHW focus on the dangers of MIP and implementing cIPTp has the potential to increase IPTp coverage. Keywords: Malaria Pregnancy Community Health Workers Malawi Intermittent preventive treatment Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine

scholarly journals Malaria knowledge and experiences with community health workers among recently pregnant women in Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Malpass ◽  
Jobiba Chinkhumba ◽  
Elizabeth Davlantes ◽  
John Munthali ◽  
Katherine Wright ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
World Health ◽  
P Value ◽  
To Receive ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background The World Health Organization recommends three or more doses of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) to mitigate the negative effects of malaria in pregnancy (MIP). Many pregnant women in Malawi are not receiving the recommended number of doses. Community delivery of IPTp (cIPTp) is being piloted as a new approach to increase coverage. This survey assessed recently pregnant women’s knowledge of MIP and their experiences with community health workers (CHWs) prior to implementing cIPTp. Methods Data were collected via a household survey in Ntcheu and Nkhata Bay Districts, Malawi, from women aged 16-49 years who had a pregnancy resulting in a live birth in the previous 12 months. Survey questions were primarily open response and utilized review of the woman’s health passport whenever possible. Analyses accounted for selection weighting and clustering at the health facility level and explored heterogeneity between districts.Results A total of 370 women were interviewed. Women in both districts found their CHWs to be helpful (77.9%), but only 35.7% spoke with a CHW about antenatal care and 25.8% received assistance for malaria during their most recent pregnancy. A greater proportion of women in Nkhata Bay than Ntcheu reported receiving assistance with malaria from a CHW (42.7% vs 21.9%, p=0.01); women in Nkhata Bay were more likely to cite IPTp-SP as a way to prevent MIP (41.0% vs 24.8%, p=0.02) and were more likely to cite mosquito bites as the only way to spread malaria (70.6% vs 62.0% p=.03). Women in Nkhata Bay were more likely to receive 3+ doses of IPTp-SP (IPTp3) (59.2% vs 41.8%, p=0.0002). Adequate knowledge was associated with increased odds of receiving IPTp3, although not statistically significantly so (adjusted odds ratio = 1.50, 95% confidence interval 0.97- 2.32, p-value 0.066). Conclusions Women reported positive experiences with CHWs, but there was not a focus on MIP. Women in Nkhata Bay were more likely to be assisted by a CHW, had better knowledge, and were more likely to receive IPTp3+. Increasing CHW focus on the dangers of MIP and implementing cIPTp has the potential to increase IPTp coverage.

scholarly journals Intermittent screening and treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy: implementation feasibility in a routine healthcare system setting in western Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Hill ◽  
Peter Ouma ◽  
Seth Oluoch ◽  
Jane Bruce ◽  
Simon Kariuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Directly Observed Therapy ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended for preventing malaria in pregnancy in areas of moderate-to-high transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. However, due to increasing parasite resistance to SP, research on alternative strategies is a priority. The study assessed the implementation feasibility of intermittent screening and treatment (ISTp) in the second and third trimester at antenatal care (ANC) with malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and treatment of positive cases with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) compared to IPTp-SP in western Kenya. Methods A 10-month implementation study was conducted in 12 government health facilities in four sub-counties. Six health facilities were assigned to either ISTp-DP or IPTp-SP. Evaluation comprised of facility audits, ANC observations, and exit interviews. Intermediate and cumulative effectiveness analyses were performed on all processes involved in delivery of ISTp-DP including RDT proficiency and IPTp-SP ± directly observed therapy (DOT, standard of care). Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of receiving each intervention. Results A total of 388 and 389 women were recruited in the ISTp-DP and IPTp-SP arms, respectively. For ISTp-DP, 90% (289/320) of eligible women received an RDT. Of 11% (32/289) who tested positive, 71% received the correct dose of DP and 31% the first dose by DOT, and only 6% were counselled on subsequent doses. Women making a sick visit and being tested in a facility with a resident microscopist were more likely to receive ISTp-DP (AOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.31, 2.41; and AOR 3.75, 95% CI 1.31, 2.40, respectively). For IPTp-SP, only 57% received a dose of SP by DOT. Payment for a laboratory test was independently associated with receipt of SP by DOT (AOR 6.43, 95% CI 2.07, 19.98). Conclusions The findings indicate that the systems effectiveness of ANC clinics to deliver ISTp-DP under routine conditions was poor in comparison to IPTp-SP. Several challenges to integration of ISTp with ANC were identified that may need to be considered by countries that have introduced screening at first ANC visit and, potentially, for future adoption of ISTp with more sensitive RDTs. Understanding the effectiveness of ISTp-DP will require additional research on pregnant women’s adherence to ACT.

scholarly journals Health Workers’ Awareness and Knowledge of Current Recommendation of Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy in South-Western Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwasomidoyin Olukemi Bello ◽  
Olaolu Oni
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Recommendation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Correct Knowledge ◽  
In Pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Malaria in pregnancy is of public health significance because of its associated maternal and fetal complications. This study aimed to assess health workers’ awareness and knowledge of the current World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP).METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 148 health workers who offer obstetrics care in selected health facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria using a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate their awareness and knowledge of the current WHO IPTp-SP. Information on their socio-demographic and professional characteristics, awareness, knowledge and practice of the current IPTp recommendation were obtained. Data analysis involved descriptive and bivariate analyses using SPSS version 20.0 with level of significance set at p<0.05.RESULTS: The majority, 85(57.4%), of the health workers had been providing obstetrics care for less than 5 years with most of them, 114(77.0%), practicing at tertiary health facility. More than half, 92(62.2%), of them were aware of the current WHO IPTp-SP recommendation while about two-fifth (39.1%) had its correct knowledge. Of the health workers who were knowledgeable of the current IPTp-SP recommendation almost three-quarter, 29(72.2%) of them prescribed it. The health workers’ professional cadre (p<0.001) and duration of providing obstetrics care (p=0.012) were significantly associated with their awareness and correct knowledge of the current IPTp-SP recommendation.CONCLUSION: Most of the health workers are aware but not knowledgeable of the correct administration of the current IPTp- SP recommendation. Likewise, many of them do not prescribe it. This calls for regular training and update of health workers and institutional protocol so as to effectively reduce the prevalence of malaria in pregnancy and its complications.

scholarly journals Screening and Treating Malaria in Pregnancy by Community Health Workers in Benin, Burkina Faso and Gambia: Profiles, Perceptions and Time Commitments

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laetitia Duval ◽  
Elisa Sicuri ◽  
Susana Scott ◽  
Maminata Traoré ◽  
Halidou Tinto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Malaria Transmission ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
The Gambia ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background To date, there have been few studies on the roles and challenges that community health workers (CHWs) face when encouraging pregnant women to attend health facilities and provide community-based interventions including scheduled screening and treatment (CSST) for malaria. This study investigates the characteristics, daily activities and time commitments of CHWs tasked with delivering CSST as part of a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Benin, Burkina Faso and Gambia. Methods 45 CHWs were interviewed and observed in three rural settings in West Africa, both during and outside the malaria transmission seasons. Results CHWs in all three settings were predominantly male, over 30 years old and relied on farming for income. Most had completed secondary school in Benin (77%) but not in Burkina Faso (33%) or The Gambia (27%). In Benin, most had been in post between 5 to 10 years; in Burkina Faso and The Gambia the majority had been CHWs for over 10 years. CHWs in Burkina Faso received the highest monthly financial reward for taking part in the trial (US$40), next was Benin (US$22.60) and finally Gambian CHWs received US$11. While the CHWs welcomed the increased training, knowledge and skills they acquired on screening and treating malaria in pregnancy afforded by the trial, they also expressed concern about the transportation challenges of successful community-based interventions in remote areas. CHW duties were a bigger time commitment in Burkina Faso than Benin. The time committed to CHW activities (trial and non-trial) was longer during than outside the malaria transmission season. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of taking into account the variety of existing CHW responsibilities when designing and implementing evidence-based policy to address malaria in pregnancy. The findings emphasise the need to consider both financial and non-financial factors likely to impact the scale-up and sustainability of interventions beyond trial conditions.

scholarly journals Managing intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy challenges: an ethnographic study of two Ghanaian administrative regions

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matilda Aberese-Ako ◽  
Pascal Magnussen ◽  
Margaret Gyapong ◽  
Gifty D. Ampofo ◽  
Harry Tagbor
Keyword(s):  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Bed Nets ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is an important public health problem across sub-Saharan Africa. The package of measures for its control in Ghana in the last 20 years include regular use of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs), directly-observed administration (DOT) of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) and prompt and effective case management of MiP. Unfortunately, Ghana like other sub-Saharan African countries did not achieve the reset Abuja targets of 100% of pregnant women having access to IPTp and 100% using LLINs by 2015. Methods This ethnographic study explored how healthcare managers dealt with existing MiP policy implementation challenges and the consequences on IPTp-SP uptake and access to maternal healthcare. The study collected date using non-participant observations, conversations, in-depth interviews and case studies in eight health facilities and 12 communities for 12 months in two Administrative regions in Ghana. Results Healthcare managers addressed frequent stock-outs of malaria programme drugs and supplies from the National Malaria Control Programme and delayed reimbursement from the NHIS, by instituting co-payment, rationing and prescribing drugs for women to buy from private pharmacies. This ensured that facilities had funds to pay creditors, purchase drugs and supplies for health service delivery. However, it affected their ability to enforce DOT and to monitor adherence to treatment. Women who could afford maternal healthcare and MiP services and those who had previously benefitted from such services were happy to access uninterrupted services. Women who could not maternal healthcare services resorted to visiting other sources of health care, delaying ANC and skipping scheduled ANC visits. Consequently, some clients did not receive the recommended 5 + doses of SP, others did not obtain LLINs early and some did not obtain treatment for MiP. Healthcare providers felt frustrated whenever they could not provide comprehensive care to women who could not afford comprehensive maternal and MiP care. Conclusion For Ghana to achieve her goal of controlling MiP, the Ministry of Health and other supporting institutions need to ensure prompt reimbursement of funds, regular supply of programme drugs and medical supplies to public, faith-based and private health facilities.

scholarly journals Determinants of the Uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy with Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine in Sabatia Sub County, Western Kenya

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Andala Mutanyi ◽  
Daniel O. Onguru ◽  
Sidney O. Ogolla ◽  
Lawrence B. Adipo
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Maternal Knowledge ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background: Malaria in pregnancy remains a major public health problem. Annually, 125.2 million pregnant women worldwide are at risk of malaria infection including 30.3 million and 1 million pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya respectively. The World Health Organization recommends that pregnant women in malaria endemic areas receive at least three doses of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp-SP) for optimal benefit. However, IPTp-SP optimal uptake is undesirably low in Kenya. This study investigated the prevalence of and factors influencing IPTp-SP optimal uptake in Sabatia Sub County, Western Kenya. Understanding the epidemiology of malaria in pregnancy is core for making decisions and setting priorities towards IPTp-SP optimization.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Sabatia Sub County. Using a validated semi structured questionnaire, data were obtained from 372 randomly sampled post-delivery women aged 15 – 49 years who had a live birth within one year preceding the study. Women on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis during their pregnancy were excluded. Association between IPTp-SP uptake and independent variables was analysed using Pearson Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact test. Bivariate and multiple binary logistic regression analysed predictors of optimal IPTp-SP uptake.Results: Overall, 99.46 % of the respondents received at least one IPTp-SP dose. The prevalence of optimal IPTp-SP uptake was 79.57% (95% CI 75.47%, 83.67%). After multivariate analysis; gestational age at first antenatal care (ANC) visit (p = 0.04), frequency of ANC visits (p < 0.001), maternal knowledge of IPTp-SP benefits (p < 0.001), maternal knowledge of optimal SP dose (p = 0.03) and administration of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine at ANC clinic (p = 0.03) significantly predicted the optimal uptake of IPTp-SP.Conclusions: Optimal uptake of IPTp-SP is high in the study area. Efforts towards early and more frequent ANC attendance should be enhanced and sustained. Structured and targeted health education should be adopted and health workers should always administer SP drugs or explain to some pregnant women their ineligibility for initial IPTp-SP receipt. Future studies considering large sample drawn from the whole country and health workers’ perspective of the health system delivery factors are recommended.

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