Malaria Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Nigeria: A Qualitative study to explore barriers

Abstract Background : While the use of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) is effective in preventing malaria infection during pregnancy, challenges exist which limits its uptake in Nigeria. This study aimed to explore the barriers of IPTp use among pregnant women in Kano state, Nigeria. Methods: This is a qualitative study. We employed the purposive sampling strategy to select 14 key informants for interview. We also conducted three focus group discussions (FGD) with pregnant women, and married men. The conventional content analysis method was used. MAXQDA 10 software was used for data management and analysis, i.e., to develop categories, subcategories and codes. Results: Poor policy implementation, poor antenatal care attendance, inadequate access to intermittent preventive treatment at the community levels, lack of sustainable funding and poor community engagement emerged as major barriers to IPTp use. Conclusion: While the political will to allocate sufficient financial resources could help improve service delivery and IPTp use among pregnant women, community participation is also critical to sustain gains.