scholarly journals Impact of Health Systems on the Implementation of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria in Pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Synthesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 134
Author(s):  
Atinuke O. Olaleye ◽  
Oladapo Walker
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Narrative Synthesis ◽  
In Pregnancy

Malaria in pregnancy is a public health challenge with serious negative maternal and newborn consequences. Intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine is recommended for the control of malaria during pregnancy within endemic areas, but coverage for the recommended ≥3 doses IPTp regimen has remained suboptimal. We searched PubMed, Cochrane library, and HINARI database from 1 January 2010 to 23 May 2020, for studies investigating the effect of the health system on IPTp implementation. Data extraction was independently performed by two investigators and evaluated for quality and content. Health system barriers and facilitators were explored using thematic analysis and narrative synthesis. Thirty-four out of 1032 screened articles were included. Key health system issues affecting the provision and uptake of IPTp were the ambiguity of policy and guidelines for IPTp administration, human resource shortages, drug stock-outs, conflicting policy implementation on free IPTp provision, hidden costs, unclear data recording and reporting guidelines, and poor quality of care. Factors affecting the supply and demand for IPTp services involve all pillars of the health system across different countries. The success of health programs such as IPTp will thus depend on how well the different pillars of the health system are articulated towards the success of each program.

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 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 An ethnographic study of how health system, socio-cultural and individual factors influence uptake of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in a Ghanaian context

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0257666
Author(s):  
Matilda Aberese-Ako ◽  
Pascal Magnussen ◽  
Gifty D. Ampofo ◽  
Margaret Gyapong ◽  
Evelyn Ansah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Individual Factors ◽  
In Pregnancy

Background Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria among pregnant women with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP), is one of the three recommended interventions for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy (MiP) in sub-Sahara Africa. The World Health Organisation recommended in 2012 that SP be given at each scheduled ANC visit except during the first trimester and can be given a dose every month until the time of delivery, to ensure that a high proportion of women receive at least three doses of SP during pregnancy. Despite implementation of this policy, Ghana did not attain the target of 100% access to IPTp-SP by 2015. Additionally, negative outcomes of malaria infection in pregnancy are still recurring. This ethnographic study explored how health system, individual and socio-cultural factors influence IPTp-SP uptake in two Ghanaian regions. Methods The study design was ethnographic, employing non-participant observation, case studies and in depth interviews in 8 health facilities and 8 communities, from April 2018 to March 2019, in two Ghanaian regions. Recommended ethical procedures were observed. Results Health system factors such as organization of antenatal care (ANC) services and strategies employed by health workers to administer SP contributed to initial uptake. Women’s trust in the health care system contributed to continued uptake. Inadequate information provided to women accessing ANC, stock-outs and fees charged for ANC services reduced access to IPTp-SP. Socio-cultural factor such as encouragement from social networks influenced utilization of ANC services and IPTp-SP uptake. Individual factors such as refusing to take SP, skipping ANC appointments and initiating ANC attendance late affected uptake. Conclusion Health system, socio-cultural and individual factors influence uptake of optimum doses of IPTp-SP. Consequently, interventions that aim at addressing IPTp-SP uptake should focus on regular and sufficient supply of SP to health facilities, effective implementation of free ANC, provision of appropriate and adequate information to women and community outreach programmes to encourage early and regular ANC visits.

scholarly journals Determinants of the uptake of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with sulphadoxine pyrimethamine in Sabatia Sub County, Western Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua A. Mutanyi ◽  
Daniel O. Onguru ◽  
Sidney O. Ogolla ◽  
Lawrence B. Adipo
Keyword(s):  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Maternal Knowledge ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Annually, 125.2 million pregnant women worldwide risk contracting malaria, including 30.3 million and 1.5 million in Sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya respectively. At least three doses of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp-SP) is recommended for optimal benefit. Kenya recorded low IPTp-SP optimal uptake in 2015. This study investigated the prevalence of and factors influencing IPTp-SP optimal uptake in Sabatia Sub County, Western Kenya. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sabatia Sub County from April to October 2020. Using a validated semi-structured questionnaire, data were obtained from 372 randomly sampled post-delivery women aged 15–49 years with live birth within one year preceding the study. Women on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis during pregnancy were excluded. Pearson Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact test were measures of association used. Binary logistic regression analysed predictors of optimal IPTp-SP uptake. Results Optimal IPTp-SP uptake was 79.6%, 95% CI 75.5%–83.7%. Predictors of IPTp-SP optimization were 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 sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) dose (P = 0.03) and SP administration at ANC clinic (P = 0.03). Late ANC initiators were less likely to receive optimal IPTp-SP (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.9). Odds of optimizing IPTp-SP increased among women with ≥ 4 ANC visits (aOR = 16.7, 95% CI 7.9–35.3), good knowledge of IPTp-SP benefits (aOR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.3–4.5) and good knowledge of optimal SP dose (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.4). Women who never missed being administered SP were highly likely to receive optimal IPTp-SP (aOR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.1–7.2) Conclusions This study has found high IPTp-SP optimal uptake in the study area. Efforts should be directed towards early and more frequent ANC visits. Intensive and targeted health education is required. It’s fundamental to adequately stock and consistently administer SP. Future studies considering larger samples and health workers’ perspectives of the health system delivery factors are recommended. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Sub-optimal Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) is associated with an increased risk of submicroscopic P. falciparum infection in pregnant women: a prospective cohort study in Benin

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cornélia P A Hounkonnou ◽  
Nicaise Tuikue Ndam ◽  
Nadine Fievet ◽  
Manfred Accrombessi ◽  
Emmanuel Yovo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Age ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Harmful maternal and neonatal health outcomes result from malaria in pregnancy, the prevention of which primarily relies on intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP). WHO recommends IPTp-SP in sub-Saharan Africa, but implementation is highly heterogeneous and often sub-optimal in terms of the number of doses and their timing. In this study, we assessed the impact of this heterogeneity on malaria in pregnancy, mainly with respect to submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum infections. Methods We used data from 273 Beninese women followed throughout pregnancy. Screening for P. falciparum infections, using both microscopy- and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -based methods, was performed monthly, and information on IPTp-SP dose was collected. Gestational age was estimated by repeated ultrasound scans. Using a negative binomial model, we investigated the effect of IPTp-SP doses and timing, after 17 weeks of gestation, on the number of P. falciparum infections, focusing on submicroscopic infections detectable only by PCR. Results At least two IPTp-SP doses were taken by 77.3% of the women. The median gestational age at first IPTp-SP dose was 22 weeks. A late first IPTp-SP dose (&gt;21.2 weeks) was marginally associated with an increased number of P. falciparum infections (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] =1.3; p=0.098). The number of IPTp-SP doses was not associated with the number of submicroscopic infections (aIRR=1.2, p=0.543). Conclusion A late first IPTp-SP dose fail to provide optimal protection against P. falciparum, especially submicroscopic infections. This highlights the need for a new antimalarial drug for IPTp that could be taken early in pregnancy.

scholarly journals Assessment of Malaria Intermittent Preventive Treatment (Ipt) Uptake among Pregnant Women attending Antenatal Care at Kasanje Health Center III, Wakiso District

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Doreen Kabatongole
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
In Pregnancy

Background: Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problem with substantial risks for both the mother and unborn child. Malaria is responsible for 10,000 maternal deaths globally, 20% of stillbirths, and 11% of newborn deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. The study intends to explore the extent of intermittent preventive treatment IPTp uptake among pregnant women attending ANC. Methodology A Cross-sectional survey was carried out among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Kasanje Health Center III to explore the extent of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) uptake among pregnant women attending ANC. Data on their socio-demographic characteristics and antenatal service utilization were collected using a questionnaire and review of antenatal care (ANC) cards. In-depth interviews were conducted and data on ANC service delivery collected and analyzed. Univariate, Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were done to determine factors associated with uptake of IPTp. Results: A total of 75 pregnant women were interviewed, all in reproductive age 15-48 years, with an average age of 25.6years. All the respondents (100%) had attended antenatal care at least once. 58% of the participants wherein their third trimester. Many, 31% were on their second visit, 24% on their 3rd visit while only 10% were on their first visit. The majority of the participants (88%) had their ANC started in the first trimester. It was also noted that the number of IPTp varied significantly with the number of ANC visits (chi2=33.8, p<0.001). The majority (62.67) of the participants knew IPTp and the majority of the respondents (99%) knew how malaria is transmitted. Abortion was mentioned as the major outcome of malaria in pregnancy (95%) followed by Stillbirths (72%). Conclusion and recommendations: An increased number of ANC visits, providing IPTp information to pregnant women, and the gestational age of pregnancy resulted in increased uptake of IPTp.

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

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matilda Aberese-Ako ◽  
Pascal Magnussen ◽  
Margaret Gyapong ◽  
Gifty Dufie 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 twelve communities for twelve 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.

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