Determinants of the optimal uptake of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine doses for intermittent treatment of malaria in pregnancy in urban Nigeria

Malaria is a major cause of child and maternal mortality in Nigeria, particularly in urban areas with increasing urbanization rates and slum development. Pregnant women and newborns are especially vulnerable to malaria. The use of Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPTp) with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) during antenatal care visits is an effective way to prevent malaria in pregnancy. This study, based on data from the 2015 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey, examined the uptake of IPTp-SP among 1159 urban women aged 15–49 across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The study found that 67% of the women took SP/Fansidar during pregnancy, but the uptake of the recommended 3 or more doses of IPTp-SP was low. Only 39% of women took 3 or more doses, while 19% took only 1 dose and 42% took 2 doses. The study identified significant associations between IPTp-SP uptake and region and economic status (measured by wealth index), but not educational status. Binary logistic regression showed that region and economic status were significant predictors of IPTp use. The study recommends increasing awareness and promoting the use of IPTp-SP among urban women in Nigeria, particularly those in low-income regions. Empowering women socially and economically may also improve the uptake of IPTp-SP.