Browsing by Author "Ssebwato, George William"

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    Knowledge and Perception Regarding Intermittent Preventive Treatment Measures Against Malaria among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital
    (Busitema University, 2026) Ssebwato, George William
    Background Malaria remains a major public health problem and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and their unborn babies in Uganda. Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy using Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is a key intervention recommended by the World Health Organization to prevent malaria-related complications such as maternal anemia, low birth weight, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality. Despite its proven effectiveness and availability, the uptake of IPTp-SP remains suboptimal in many settings. Knowledge and perception of pregnant women towards IPTp-SP play a significant role in influencing its utilization. This study assessed the knowledge and perception regarding IPTp-SP among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Objectives To assess the level of knowledge and perception regarding IPTp-SP among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and to identify factors associated with knowledge and perception of IPTp-SP. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Participants were selected using consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and entered into Stata/SE 15.1 for analysis. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize the data. Knowledge was categorized as good or poor based on a score of 70% and above. Those who scored 70% and above had good knowledge while those who scored below 70% had poor knowledge. Perception was assessed using a five-point Likert scale, and the overall perception was categorized based on the mean score. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with knowledge and perception. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results Among the 423 pregnant women interviewed, the majority demonstrated good knowledge regarding IPTp-SP. Most participants demonstrated poor knowledge about the correct timing, dosage, and administration of IPTp-SP despite being aware of its existence and benefits. The overall mean perception score was 3.14, indicating a generally positive perception towards IPTp-SP. Most respondents agreed that IPTp-SP is important for preventing malaria during pregnancy and improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. Education level, attitude of health workers, and clarity of explanations provided during antenatal care were the major factors independently associated with knowledge regarding IPTp-SP. Conclusion The study found that pregnant women attending antenatal care at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital generally had good knowledge and a positive perception towards IPTp-SP. However, knowledge gaps and misconceptions still existed among some women, which could affect optimal utilization of the intervention. Recommendations The Ministry of Health and health facilities should strengthen health education programs on IPTp-SP during antenatal care visits. Health workers should provide consistent information on the benefits, timing, and recommended doses of IPTp-SP. Community sensitization programs should also be enhanced to improve awareness and address misconceptions about malaria prevention during pregnancy. Further studies should explore barriers to the actual uptake and completion of recommended IPTp-SP doses among pregnant women. Keywords: Intermittent preventive therapy in pregnancy, Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, Malaria in pregnancy