Knowledge, Perception And Practice Of Intermittent Preventive Therapy In Pregnancy (IPTP) Among Pregnant Women Attending A Military Hospital In Lagos Nigeria

Background: Malaria infestation in pregnancy (MIP) is a major public health concern with associated maternal morbidity, low birth weight and neonatal mortality. Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulphadoxine - pyrimethamine is a key recommendation in the National guideline for malaria prevention in Nigeria. This study evaluated the knowledge and perception and practice of IPTp by pregnant women attending a Nigerian military hospital.Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 190 pregnant women attending antenatal care. The patients were selected by a systematic sampling method and data collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires after obtaining their informed consent.. The administered questionnaires were collated, validated and analyzed using EPI Info 2002 computer software package. Frequency distribution and cross tabulation was done. Statistical level of significance was set at p< 0.05.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 29.5 years . Sixty four (33.7%) respondents had knowledge of IPTp while 123 (64.7%) indicated willingness to use IPTp. Reasons given for not willing to use IPTp included unawareness(25.8%), and fear of harmful/side effects (7.3%). Few patients (11.6%) actually used IPTp. Knowledge of complications of malaria among the respondents was also low.Conclusion and  Recommendation: The study showed a low level of knowledge and use of IPTp among the respondents but close to two-third of them were willing to use IPTp. There is need for the hospital authority to institute a sustainable wareness campaign on complications of malaria and the overall positive effects of IPTp on maternal and child health. Keywords: Knowledge, Practice, Intermittent Preventive Therapy, Pregnancy, Military, Nigeria