Factors influencing utilization of intermittent preventive treatment for pregnancy in the Gushegu district, Ghana, 2013

INTRODUCTION: The coverage of adequate (≥2 doses) IPTp-SP in Ghana is below the national target of 80% and that is a threat to reducing the incidence of malaria in pregnancy. The primary objective of the study was to determine the client and facility related factors associated with adequate uptake of IPTp-SP and suggest approaches for increased uptake. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among ANC clients and staff in Gushegu, questionnaires was administered to 330 conveniently sampled nursing mothers and all ANC staff present. A checklist and observation were used to collect health facility data. Data was analyzed descriptively and associations between the related factors and adequate uptake of IPTp-SP were determined. RESULTS: A total of 91.5% and 8.5% of respondents took adequate (≥2doses) and inadequate (≤1dose) IPTp-SP respectively. 85.4% respondents were early first ANC attendance and 80% were multiple gravidae. Mean ANC visits was 5.0 (standard deviation = 2.2). The key determinants for inadequate uptake of IPTp were Unemployment [OR= 4.9 95% CI (1.9-13.1], single gravidae [OR= 3.4 95% CI (1.5-7.6)] and late first ANC visit [OR= 6.8 95% CI (3.0-15.4)]. DOT practice, good staff attitude and health talk at the facility were observed and confirmed by ANC clients as satisfactory. adequate uptake of SP among respondents was high. Majorities were unemployed, have had multiple pregnancies and made early first ANC visits. Unemployment and late first ANC visits are significantly associated with taking inadequate SP dose. CONCLUSION: Adequate uptake of SP among respondents was high. Majorities were unemployed, have had multiple pregnancies and made early first ANC visits. Unemployment and late first ANC visits are significantly associated with taking inadequate SP dose.