Improving Malaria Treatment for Pregnant Women in Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Karin Gross, Sandra Alba, Joanna Schellenberg, Flora Kessy, Iddy Mayumana, Brigit Obrist
Primary Institution: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
Hypothesis
What factors influence the coverage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy in Tanzania?
Conclusion
Facility and policy factors are greater barriers to IPTp coverage than women's timing of ANC attendance.
Supporting Evidence
- 79% of women received a first dose of IPTp.
- Only 27% of women received a second dose of IPTp.
- Health workers delivered IPTp to significantly less women during the second dose period.
Takeaway
This study shows that pregnant women in Tanzania often go to the doctor at the right time for malaria treatment, but many don't get the treatment they need because of issues with the healthcare system.
Methodology
Data was collected from ANC card records and through structured exit interviews with ANC attendees and health workers.
Potential Biases
Health worker performance may have improved due to the nature of exit interviews.
Limitations
The study may not be representative of other areas and the timing gap between health worker interviews and exit interviews could affect results.
Participant Demographics
{"median_age":25,"education_level":{"no_education":24,"incomplete_primary":23,"primary_plus":52},"marital_status":{"married":88,"single_or_separated":12},"parity":{"para_1":19,"para_2_4":54,"para_5_plus":27}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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