Knowledge, Attitudes, and Utilization of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Private Facilities: A Study in Five Selected Health Areas of the Dschang Health District

Abstract

Background: Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health, particularly in endemic regions like sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Intermittent Preventive Treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPT-SP) is a key intervention, yet its uptake remains suboptimal in many settings, including Cameroon. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of IPT-SP among pregnant women attending private antenatal clinics in the Dschang Health District (DHD). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women selected through multistage sampling across five health areas. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, covering socio-demographics, IPT-SP knowledge, attitudes, and utilization. Key indicators included awareness, compliance, and optimal uptake (≥3 doses). X²-test was used to describe the distribution of categorical variables meanwhile logistic regression identified predictors of poor IPT-SP uptake, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 344 pregnant women included, 35.8% were aged 15-24 years and 51.7% were married. Health providers were the major source of information about IPT-SP (87.9%). While awareness (99.1%) and compliance (98.8%) were high, only 51.7% achieved optimal IPT-SP uptake. Poor knowledge (aOR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.6–4.9), fewer than four Antenatal Care (ANC) visits (aOR = 14.54, 95% CI: 1.1–9.6), and lower provider qualifications (aOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.05–4.97) were associated with higher odds of poor IPT-SP uptake. Conclusion: Targeted interventions such as enhanced health education, increased ANC attendance, and improved provider training are needed to boost IPT-SP coverage in private facilities. Addressing these barriers will contribute to reducing malaria-related adverse pregnancy outcomes and advancing maternal health goals in Cameroon.