Prevalence of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) use during pregnancy and other associated factors in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana

Background: Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) has been adopted as policy by most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of IPTp-SP usage for prevention of malaria among pregnant women as well as evaluated factors associated with IPTp-SP use during pregnancy in Sekondi-Takoradi region of Ghana.Methods: Pregnant women attending their antenatal-care with either clinical/ultrasound evidence of pregnancy were recruited. Venous blood was screened for malaria using RAPID response antibody kit and Giemsa staining. Haemoglobin estimations were done by cyanmethemoglobin method while Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening was performed by the national diagnostic algorithm of two rapid antibody test and western blot confirmation.Results: Of the 754 consented pregnant women interviewed in this study, 57.8% had received IPTp-SP while 42.2% had not at their first contact with the study personnel. Furthermore, 18.6% (81/436) of those that received IPTp-SP were malaria positive while 81.4% (355/436) were malaria negative. The results also indicated that 47.7% (51/107) of the pregnant women in their third trimester who were meant to have received at least two-doses of SP had received ≥2 doses while 35.5% (38/107) had received 1 dose. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, pregnant women in their third trimester who received ≥2 doses of SP showed decreased likelihoods of malaria (adjusted OR, 0.042; 95% CI, 0.003-0.51; P = 0.013).Conclusion: IPTp-SP usage among pregnant women in Sekondi-Takoradi reduces malaria and its use for malaria prevention should be strengthened with proper dosage completion and coverage.Keywords: Malaria in pregnancy, IPTp-SP, anaemia, Ghan

Prevalence of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) use during pregnancy and other associated factors in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana

Background: Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) has been adopted as policy by most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of IPTp-SP usage for prevention of malaria among pregnant women as well as evaluated factors associated with IPTp-SP use during pregnancy in Sekondi-Takoradi region of Ghana. Methods: Pregnant women attending their antenatal-care with either clinical/ultrasound evidence of pregnancy were recruited. Venous blood was screened for malaria using RAPID response antibody kit and Giemsa staining. Haemoglobin estimations were done by cyanmethemoglobin method while Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening was performed by the national diagnostic algorithm of two rapid antibody test and western blot confirmation. Results: Of the 754 consented pregnant women interviewed in this study, 57.8% had received IPTp-SP while 42.2% had not at their first contact with the study personnel. Furthermore, 18.6% (81/436) of those that received IPTp-SP were malaria positive while 81.4% (355/436) were malaria negative. The results also indicated that 47.7% (51/107) of the pregnant women in their third trimester who were meant to have received at least two-doses of SP had received 652 doses while 35.5% (38/107) had received 1 dose. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, pregnant women in their third trimester who received 652 doses of SP showed decreased likelihoods of malaria (adjusted OR, 0.042; 95% CI, 0.003-0.51; P = 0.013). Conclusion: IPTp-SP usage among pregnant women in Sekondi-Takoradi reduces malaria and its use for malaria prevention should be strengthened with proper dosage completion and coverage

The new invincibles: HIV screening among older adults in the U.S.

Thirteen percent of the U.S. population is ages 65 and older, a number projected to reach 20% by 2030. By 2015, 50% of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals in the U.S. are expected to be ages 50 and older. Current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommend "opt-out" HIV screening for individuals ages 13-64. The purpose of this study was to assess the occurrence and barriers to HIV screening in older adults, and to evaluate the rationale for expanding routine HIV screening to this population.The study used 2009 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data. A total of 12,366 (unweighted) adults, ages 50 and older, participated in the adult section of the NHIS and answered questions on the HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Tuberculosis components. Associations between HIV screening, socio-demographic variables, and knowledge of HIV-related disease were examined using logistic regression models.The HIV screening rate within this population was 25.4%. Race had no statistically significant effect. Low risk perception of HIV exposure (84.1%) accounted for low likelihood of planned screening (3.5%) within 12 months post survey. A routine medical check-up was the single most common reason for HIV screening (37.6%), with only about half (52.7%) of the tests suggested by a health care provider.It is imperative that practices and policies are developed and implemented to increase HIV awareness and screening in the older adult population. Increased health care provider awareness of the importance of HIV screening, especially for those 65 and older, is critical. Health policies and clinical guidelines should be revised to promote and support screening of all adults

Distribution of respondents by their attitude and practice of HIV testing and knowledge of HIV-related disease.

<p>Distribution of respondents by their attitude and practice of HIV testing and knowledge of HIV-related disease.</p

Respondent’s lifestyle, knowledge of HIV-related disease and associations with HIV screening.

**<p>P<0.001.</p

Multiple logistic regression model showing the odds of getting an HIV test in the next 12 month adjusted for sex, race, Medicare type, health insurance coverage status, and physical health status.

**<p>P<0.001;</p>*<p>P<0.05.</p

Results of multiple logistic regression models for ever been tested for HIV adjusted for sex, race, Medicare type, health insurance coverage status, and physical health status.

**<p>P<0.001.</p

Distribution of Respondents by Socio-Demographic Characteristics.

<p>Distribution of Respondents by Socio-Demographic Characteristics.</p