Gifty Dufie Antwi

University

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

PhD Title

Client involvement in implementing ANC strategies to prevent complications of malaria in pregnancy in Ghana.

Abstract

Malaria in pregnancy contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality and infant mortality. Preventive strategies include the use of ITNs, IPT and effective diagnosis and treatment of malaria episodes. Although these have been proven to be efficacious in improving pregnancy outcomes through the antenatal care system, they have been implemented by service providers without involving the pregnant woman in the delivery process.

Introducing a new delivery approach where pregnant women are involved in the process may help to further improve pregnancy outcomes. The study aims at determining the effect of involving pregnant women in the diagnosis and treatment of malaria on complications of malaria in pregnancy. Staff of identified antenatal clinics will be trained to use the mRDT and the Hb colour scale. Antenatal clinics will then be randomized into two groups. In the intervention group, a mechanism of involving pregnant women in the use and interpretation of the results of the RDT and Hb colour scale will be established. The Hb levels of the pregnant women at delivery and the birth weights of the neonates will be compared in the two groups. Also, the incidences of abortions, still births, and premature infants will be compared. The level of acceptability of this new approach will also be determined in the ANC staff and the pregnant women.