Perceptions on use of sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine in pregnancy and the policy implications for malaria control in Uganda
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Date
2006
Authors
Kabanza Mbonye, Anthony
Neema, Stella
Magnussen, Pascal
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health Policy
Abstract
In malaria endemic areas intermittent treatment with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended for malaria prevention
in pregnancy. Yet, data on perceptions regarding use of this drug are scarce. An exploratory study was conducted to assess
perceptions on SP in Mukono district, Uganda. This is an initial step towards a review of the policy aimed at improving access
and use of SP in pregnancy, which is currently low. Results show that SP is perceived to be an effective drug that cures malaria
quickly. However there are negative perceptions related to its use in pregnancy. SP is believed to be strong and weakens pregnant
women, causes abortions and foetal abnormalities. There is also a perception that resorting first to SP for malaria treatment may
lead to the development of drug resistance. This perception may limit access to effective treatment of malaria in this community
since the policy in Uganda recommends SP in combination with chloroquine as the first-line treatment. The policy implications
of these findings include developing a health promotion package to demystify the misconceptions on the strength of SP, to
explain its benefits and side-effects. This package will involve giving health workers refresher training on communication and
counselling on use of SP in pregnancy targeting special groups like pregnant adolescents. These results provide important lessons
to policy makers and programme managers who aim at scaling up access of SP for malaria prevention in pregnancy.
© 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Description
Keywords
Malaria in pregnancy, Perceptions, Sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine, Uganda
Citation
Mbonye, A. K., Neema, S., & Magnussen, P. (2006). Perceptions on use of sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine in pregnancy and the policy implications for malaria control in Uganda. Health Policy, 77(3), 279-289. doi:10.1016/j.healthpol.2005.07.020