Sub-optimal delivery of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy in Nigeria: influence of provider factors

The level of access to intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) in
Nigeria is still low despite relatively high antenatal care coverage in the study area. This
paper presents information on provider factors that affect the delivery of IPTp in Nigeria.
Methods
Data were collected from heads of maternal health units of 28 public and six private health
facilities offering antenatal care (ANC) services in two districts in Enugu State, south-east
Nigeria. Provider knowledge of guidelines for IPTp was assessed with regard to four
components: the drug used for IPTp, time of first dose administration, of second dose
administration, and the strategy for sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) administration
(directly observed treatment, DOT). Provider practices regarding IPTp and facility-related
factors that may explain observations such as availability of SP and water were also
examined.The level of access to intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) in
Nigeria is still low despite relatively high antenatal care coverage in the study area. This
paper presents information on provider factors that affect the delivery of IPTp in Nigeria.
Methods
Data were collected from heads of maternal health units of 28 public and six private health
facilities offering antenatal care (ANC) services in two districts in Enugu State, south-east
Nigeria. Provider knowledge of guidelines for IPTp was assessed with regard to four
components: the drug used for IPTp, time of first dose administration, of second dose
administration, and the strategy for sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) administration
(directly observed treatment, DOT). Provider practices regarding IPTp and facility-related
factors that may explain observations such as availability of SP and water were also
examined.