Barriers to Malaria Prevention in Pregnant Women in Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): Gikandi Priscilla W, Noor Abdisalan M, Gitonga Carol W, Ajanga Antony A, Snow Robert W
Primary Institution: Kenya Medical Research Institute/Wellcome Trust Research Programme
Hypothesis
What barriers prevent pregnant women from using insecticide-treated nets and intermittent presumptive treatment for malaria in Kenya?
Conclusion
Despite significant increases in the use of insecticide-treated nets and intermittent presumptive treatment, coverage among pregnant women remains low in Kenya.
Supporting Evidence
- 68% of pregnant women used a net during their pregnancy.
- 52% of women used an insecticide-treated net.
- 84% attended an antenatal care clinic at least once.
- 74% attended at least twice.
- 53% took at least one dose of IPT-SP.
Takeaway
The study found that many pregnant women in Kenya are not using the tools available to prevent malaria, even though more women are using them than before.
Methodology
Women aged 15-49 were interviewed in a community survey across four districts in Kenya about their use of malaria prevention measures.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from self-reported data and the exclusion of currently pregnant women from some analyses.
Limitations
The study did not examine provider awareness or perceptions about the provision of IPT to pregnant women.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 15-49, with varying levels of education and wealth status.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
1.36–4.68
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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