| Issue/Objective |
Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women, especially those living with HIV due to their increased susceptibility. In Nigeria, adherence to malaria prevention strategies such as Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) and the use of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) remains suboptimal, particularly among HIV-positive pregnant women. This study investigates the determinants of adherence to these malaria preventive services among HIV-positive antenatal clinic attendees in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, with a focus on improving health outcomes and enhancing malaria prevention efforts. |
| Methodology/Approach |
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025 among 200 HIV-positive pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) services at 10 randomly selected primary healthcare facilities in AMAC. Data were collected using structured interviews, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, ANC attendance, awareness of malaria preventive measures, and adherence to IPTp-SP and ITN use. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors influencing adherence. |
| Results |
The study found that adherence to IPTp-SP was low, with significant barriers including lack of awareness, irregular ANC attendance, and misconceptions about malaria prevention. Women who attended ANC regularly were more likely to complete the recommended IPTp-SP doses (p = 0.006). First-time pregnancies were associated with lower adherence (p = 0.033). Additionally, knowledge of ITNs significantly improved adherence (p = 0.002), with women exposed to malaria prevention education twice as likely to adhere to IPTp-SP. |
| Discussion/Conclusion |
The study highlights poor ANC attendance, limited awareness, and misconceptions as key barriers to adherence to malaria preventive services. Strengthening malaria education and ensuring routine ANC visits are essential to improving adherence and health outcomes. These findings have implications for policy, suggesting that targeted interventions to improve education and ANC participation could enhance malaria prevention among HIV-positive pregnant women. Addressing these barriers can contribute to broader efforts to improve global health security and maternal health outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings. |
| Presenters and affiliations |
Muhammad Gani National Health Insurance Authority |
