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Aceptación de la integración del Tratamiento Preventivo Intermitente de la malaria en lactantes con el Programa Ampliado de Inmunizaciones en tres países francófonos de África
Author(s) -
de Sousa Alexandra,
Rabarijaona Leon P.,
Ndiaye Jean L.,
Sow Doudou,
Ndyiae Mouhamed,
Hassan Jacques,
Lambo Nilda,
Adovohekpe Paul,
Guidetti Flavia,
Recht Judith,
Affo Alphonse
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02915.x
Subject(s) - malaria , medicine , sulfadoxine , focus group , immunization , family medicine , developing country , environmental health , health care , pediatrics , pyrimethamine , economic growth , business , immunology , plasmodium falciparum , antigen , economics , marketing
Objective Intermittent preventive treatment in infants (IPTi) is a malaria control strategy currently recommended by WHO for implementation at scale in Africa, consisting of administration of sulphadoxine‐pyrimethamine (SP) coupled with routine immunizations offered to children under 1 year. In this study, we analysed IPTi acceptability by communities and health staff. Methods Direct observation, in‐depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in Benin, Madagascar and Senegal during IPTi pilot implementation. Villages were stratified by immunization coverage. Data were transcribed and analysed using NVivo7 software. Results Communities’ knowledge of malaria aetiology and diagnosis was good, although generally villagers did not seek treatment at health centres as their first choice. Perceptions and attitudes towards IPTi were very positive among communities and health workers. A misconception that SP was an antipyretic that prevents post‐vaccinal fever contributed to IPTi’s acceptability. No refusals or negative rumours related to IPTi coupling with immunizations were identified, and IPTi did not negatively influence attitudes towards other malaria control strategies. Healthcare decisions about children, normatively made by the father, are starting to shift to educated and financially independent mothers. Discussion Intermittent preventive treatment in infants is well accepted by providers and communities, showing a synergic acceptability when coupled with routine immunizations. However, a misconception that SP alleviates fever should be addressed when scaling up implementation.