Perceptions of Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine Use Among Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: a Scoping Review

Overview

Journal Malariaworld J

Date 2023 Apr 24

PMID 37090061

Authors

Patricia Ogba

Oluwaseun Badru

Bonny Ibhawoh

Norm Archer

Andrea Baumann

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a major global public health issue that disproportionately affects pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization recommends intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) for its control. Despite its proven efficacy, drug uptake remains low. Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) safety concerns have been cited as one of several reasons for this low uptake.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review using the Arksey and O'Malley framework and the health belief model to investigate perceptions of SP use among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. We looked for peer-reviewed publications in five international databases.

Results: The review included 19 articles out of a total of 246. It showed that pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa have a good understanding of malaria and its consequences, but this does not necessarily translate into increased IPTp-SP uptake. It is worrisome to know that some pregnant women (from 2 studies) did not believe that SP use is beneficial, and several participants (from 4 studies) were unsure or did not see the drug as an effective intervention. Many pregnant women believe SP harms them, their partners, or their unborn children.

Conclusions: Healthcare professionals should continue prescribing and encouraging pregnant women to use SP for malaria prevention until a better substitute becomes available.

Citing Articles

Perspectives of postpartum women on intermittent presumptive treatment in Uganda: implications for malaria prevention: a qualitative study.

Namusoke F, Lugaajju A, Buwembo W, Kiwuuwa M, Kaddumukasa M Malar J. 2024; 23(1):331.

PMID: 39506733 PMC: 11542370. DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-05135-2.

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