[Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-based intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women and its effect on birth weight: application of 3-dosing regimen in the urban area of South Benin in 2017].

INTRODUCTION

Malaria is a major public health problem, responsible for many complications during pregnancy including inadequate intra-uterine growth and hypotrophies. The aim of this study was to determine the adherence to the 3 doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-based intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) on birthweight in the Cotonou health zone II and III.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study focusing on 630 women in the postpartum period residing in the Cotonou health zone II and III and selected using a two stage sample. Data were collected through a questionnaire and a data processing form. For analysis, data were weighted and we used variance analysis to compare means and to compare proportions with Chi-square Test including estimates regarding the strength of the association by odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval at 95%.

RESULTS

Adherence to the 3 doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-based intermittent preventive treatment was 34.08% (CI95%: 24.84% 43.30%]. A significant birthweight-gain of 264.5 g (p < 0.001) in mothers who had received more than 3 doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-based intermittent preventive treatment and chances of having low birth weight baby was lower (OR = 0.45; p = 0.001) among these mothers compared to those who had received less than 3 doses of sulfadoxine pyrimethamine.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights low adherence to the new 3-dose regimen of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-based intermittent preventive treatment in the Cotonou health zone II and III, but it reflects its potential to contribute to the reduction of the risk of low birth weight. Strategies must therefore be implemented to strengthen its application for prevention of malaria and of its consequences on vulnerable targets.