Evaluation of the Malaria Single Screening and Treatment Strategy for Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Tanzania.

Kitojo, Chonge Amir (2021) Evaluation of the Malaria Single Screening and Treatment Strategy for Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Tanzania. Doctoral thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

Microsoft Word - Submitted Version Download (2MB)

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the spatial and temporal patterns, evaluate the effectiveness of Single Screening and Treatment (SST) approach in the prevention of malaria in pregnancy in areas of varying malaria transmission intensity in Tanzania. ANC malaria data were collected retrospectively from the National Health Management Information System in 184 districts covering over 8,000 health facilities, 2014-2017. Malaria prevalence data for under-five were obtained from two population surveys and correlated with ANC malaria data. Asymptomatic and asymptomatic cases were assessed using ANC registers data for 1,845 pregnant women attending 1st ANC in the eight health facilities of Kilwa and Lindi districts. Qualitative data from 16 pregnant women and 143 health care workers’ experience on SST were collected using structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Results show that ANC data correlated well with population survey r= 0.83 for both surveys, p=0.001. ANC malaria testing data may be used to assess heterogeneity in transmission at finer resolution than population-based surveys especially in areas of low transmission. Implementation of the SST approach in high malaria burden areas to identify a large proportion (60%) of asymptomatic cases that could otherwise not be detected seems beneficial. Among the 15.9% of women detected in the first trimester, 50.7% were asymptomatic. The SST approach is accepted by both pregnant women and health care workers. Cost-effectiveness of SST is warranted. Recommendations include continued supportive supervision and training of health care workers on SST, strengthening the supply chain system, and task shifting. Keywords: Malaria in pregnancy, single screening and treatment for malaria, antenatal care, surveillance, acceptability, Tanzania

Actions (login required)

View Item