Malaria Prevention for Pregnant Women and Under-Five Children in 10 Sub-Saharan Africa Countries: Socioeconomic and Temporal Inequality Analysis
2024

Malaria Prevention for Pregnant Women and Children in Sub-Saharan Africa

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Okova Denis, Lukwa Akim Tafadzwa, Oyando Robinson, Bodzo Paidamoyo, Chiwire Plaxcedes, Alaba Olufunke A.

Primary Institution: University of Cape Town

Hypothesis

This study analyzes socioeconomic and temporal inequalities in malaria prevention among pregnant women and children under five in ten Sub-Saharan African countries.

Conclusion

Malaria prevention programs must prioritize vulnerable populations to ensure equitable access and improve health outcomes.

Supporting Evidence

  • Eight countries showed improvements in ITN use during pregnancy.
  • Nigeria saw a 173.9% increase in ITN use over five years.
  • Burkina Faso and Tanzania consistently reported high ITN use in children under five.
  • IPTp coverage increased in all countries except Kenya.
  • Within-group inequalities based on socioeconomic status were the primary drivers of disparities.

Takeaway

This study looks at how well pregnant women and young children in Africa are protected from malaria and finds that some groups are still missing out on help.

Methodology

The study used nationally representative Demographic Health Surveys from ten Sub-Saharan African countries to analyze ITN use and IPTp coverage over time.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from variations in data collection periods across countries.

Limitations

The study is based on cross-sectional data, which limits causal inferences and may not capture individual-level changes over time.

Participant Demographics

The study focuses on pregnant women and children under five in ten Sub-Saharan African countries.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ijerph21121656

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