Coverage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) influences delivery outcomes among women with obstetric referrals at the district level in Ghana

Malaria Journal

Evelyn K. Ansah¹  Mary Amoakoh-Coleman²  Kwadwo A. Koram²  Daniel K. Arhinful²  Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch³ 

[1] Center for Malaria Research, Institute of Health Research, University of Health & Allied Sciences;Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana;Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University;

关键词: Obstetric referrals;    Intermittent presumptive treatment of malaria in pregnancy;    Coverage;    Delivery outcomes;    Maternal;    Neonatal;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12936-020-03288-4

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background The aim of the study was to determine the coverage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) and its relationship with delivery outcomes among obstetric referral cases at the district level of healthcare. Methods An implementation research within three districts of the Greater Accra region was conducted from May 2017 to February 2018, to assess the role of an enhanced inter-facility communication system on processes and outcomes of obstetric referrals. A cross-sectional analysis of the data on IPTp coverage as well as delivery outcomes for the period of study was conducted, for all the referrals ending up in deliveries. Primary outcomes were maternal and neonatal complications at delivery. IPTp coverage was determined as percentages and classified as adequate or inadequate. Associated factors were determined using Chi square. Odds ratios (OR, 95% CI) were estimated for predictors of adequate IPTp dose coverage for associations with delivery outcomes, with statistical significance set at p = 0.05. Results From a total of 460 obstetric referrals from 16 lower level facilities who delivered at the three district hospitals, only 223 (48.5%) received adequate (at least 3) doses of IPTp. The district, type of facility where ANC is attended, insurance status, marital status and number of antenatal clinic visits significantly affected IPTp doses received. Adjusted ORs show that adequate IPTp coverage was significantly associated with new-born complication [0.80 (0.65–0.98); p = 0.03], low birth weight [0.51 (0.38–0.68); p < 0.01], preterm delivery [0.71 (0.55–0.90); p = 0.01] and malaria as indication for referral [0.70 (0.56–0.87); p < 0.01]. Positive association with maternal complication at delivery was seen but was not significant. Conclusion IPTp coverage remains low in the study setting and is affected by type of health facility that ANC is received at, access to health insurance and number of times a woman attends ANC during pregnancy. This study also confirmed earlier findings that, as an intervention IPTp prevents bad outcomes of pregnancy, even among women with obstetric referrals. It is important to facilitate IPTp service delivery to pregnant women across the country, improve coverage of required doses and maximize the benefits to both mothers and newborns.

【 授权许可】

Unknown