Determinants of Uptake of Intermittent Prevention Treatment of Malaria Among Pregnant Women in Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Pregnant women and their unborn children face significant risks from malaria infection during pregnancy simply Malaria in pregnancy (MIP), which is recognized as a serious public health issue. According to the extent of transmission within a specific geographic area and a woman's level of acquired immunity, the signs and problems of MIP vary. In Kisumu County, one of the counties deemed to be geograhicaly located in one the endemic zones, malaria continues to have a significant impact on household spending despite numerous nterventions. Malaria and its consequences, such as maternal anemia, stillbirth, low birth weight, and, in the worst cases, infant mortality and morbidity, are more likely to affect pregnant women. The purpose of this research study was to establish the determinants of uptake of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy in Kisumu County. The specific objectives were to examine the pattern of intermittent preventions treatment of malaria uptake among pregnant women in Kisumu County, Kenya; determine the effect of demographic factors on the intermittent prevention treatment of malaria among pregnant women in Kisumu County, Kenya, and lastly, to establish the role of socio-economic status on the intermittent prevention treatment of malaria among pregnant women in Kisumu County, Kenya. The Kenya health information system (KHIS) was used to access malaria data as captured from the health facilities. To estimate the link, the study used the probit model to establish the effects of identified factors on uptake of IPT in Malaria during pregnancy in Kisumu County, Kenya. The tested significance at 5% level. The study findings reveal that that 63.03% percent of the pregnant women received 3 or more doses of IPTp-SP. From estimation; age, marital status, levels of education, socioeconomic status, employment status, health insurance cover, religion, awareness levels and residence were found to be positively linked with IPTp uptake in Kisumu County. The study recommends the national government to strengthen the development of effective integration between exisiting programs inaddition to harmonized policies to futher improve the results of MIP. The national government together with other county governments located in the endemic zones ought to intervene and register or develop interventions at community levels to further curb the malaria among the pregnant mothers.