Effect of knowledge of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as prophylaxis for malaria on its uptake for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp): Application of inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) technique

Introduction

Malaria still remains a global health issue. In response, the World Health Organisation has continuously recommended the use of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy (IPTp) as a malaria preventive measure for the mother and fetus, which has been implemented by the Ugandan government. In collaboration with partners, the government has created awareness of using SP for IPTp (SP-IPTp) among women mainly through media. Studies have investigated the effect of a woman's education attainment on SP-IPTp. However, the effect of knowledge of SP as prophylaxis for malaria on SP-IPTp has not been studied. Notably, education does not necessarily have an effect on knowledge of SP for malaria prevention, and knowledge of SP as prophylaxis may not result in its significant uptake for IPTp. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to ensure baseline covariate balance and determine the effect of knowledge of SP as preventive chemotherapy on its uptake for IPTp.