Effect of Sociodemographic Factors on Uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria at Antenatal Clinics at Primary Health Centers in Orlu Zone, Nigeria
V. I. Ogoke
Department of Public Health, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
K. O. Obasi
Department of Public Health, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
I. F. Eberendu
Department of Public Health, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
P. O. Chinedu-Eleonu
Department of Public Health, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
D. Onyemekara
Department of Public Health, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
U. E. Agubuo *
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
C. N. Nwadike
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) reduces malaria-related risks, but completion of the recommended dosing schedule remains suboptimal.
Aim: This study assessed the influence of sociodemographic factors on IPTp-SP uptake among women attending antenatal clinics at primary health centres in Orlu Zone, Imo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A facility-based, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 400 pregnant women attending 33 primary health centres. Eligible participants were selected purposively and followed across antenatal visits. Data were collected using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and summarised using frequencies, percentages, tables, and charts. Associations were assessed using the chi-square test at a 5% significance level.
Results: Of the 400 participants, 280 (70.0%) received at least one dose of IPTp-SP, whereas 120 (30.0%) received none. Overall, 114 (28.50%) received one dose, 99 (24.75%) received two doses, and only 67 (16.75%) received three or more doses. Among recipients, the largest proportions were aged 30–39 years (41.79%), had completed senior secondary education (37.50%), had parity of 2–4 (39.64%), attended antenatal care at least four times (41.07%), had husbands with senior secondary education (38.21%), and belonged to husband wealth-index class 3 (45.00%). Husband’s apathy was the most frequently reported reason for non-uptake (61.67%).
Conclusion: Although initiation of IPTp-SP was relatively common, optimal-dose completion was low. Improving regular antenatal attendance, health education, drug availability, directly observed administration, and constructive male-partner engagement may strengthen uptake.
Keywords: Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy, sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, malaria in pregnancy, antenatal care, primary health centres, sociodemographic factors, maternal education, parity, spousal education, household wealth.