Table 3 Themes on the acceptability of ISTp and IPTp among pregnant women and health providers
Theme | Pregnant women | Health provider |
|---|---|---|
SSTp | ||
Major themes | Happy to be screened for malaria | Early detection and treatment is very important Stocks of RDTs were not stable Malaria in pregnancy can be asymptomatic |
Minor themes | Would prefer ISTp over SSTp | Screening once is not enough Testing when symptomatic is sufficient |
ISTp | ||
Major themes | Happy to be tested & know malaria status Happy to be tested monthly Happy to be tested even when asymptomatic | Screening at every visit is a good strategy Women can contract malaria at any time in the pregnancy Women are happy to be screened for malariaa |
Minor themes | Prefer testing only when symptomatic | Some women may not like monthly testinga Asymptomatic screening at first visit is sufficient |
RDTs | ||
Major themes | Happy to receive results right away Don’t mind the finger prick | Results are not always accurate RDTs don’t detect all malaria species Supply is not stable, frequent stock-outs Fast and easy to use Good for use at village posts, where lab services/electricity not available |
Minor themes | Afraid of needle/blood loss | Prefer RDT over microscope |
IPTp | ||
Major themes | Happy to take drugs to prevent malaria and be healthy (even with side effects) Will take the drugs when reassured there is no harm to baby, given by trusted provider | Women should be tested before they are given anti-malarials Taking medication during pregnancy when there is no disease could cause harm Could increase drug resistance |
Minor themes | Prefer testing before taking drugs Hesitant at first to take drugs but did so for baby’s health | Prevention is a good idea, if the drug is safe Some women may not want to take drugs if they are not sicka Some women in the IPTp arm refused 2nd dose of IPTp |
DP anti-malarial | ||
Major themes | Experienced side effects of nausea, dizziness, sleepiness Completed my treatment/IPTp dose | Effective treatment for malaria Well tolerated by women Some reported side effects of nausea, vomiting, dizziness |
Minor themes | Experienced vomiting Did not complete my treatment/IPTp dose | Some refused to take subsequent IPTp doses DP is hard and bitter |
Service delivery | ||
Major themes | Screening should be carried out at health posts, more accessible to women Midwives should use RDTs at health posts to screen for MiP Midwives should be able to give anti-malarials to women when necessary | |
Minor themes | Drugs should only be prescribed by doctors or nurses under supervision | |