Uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment and Its Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria remains a major public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa. In Cameroon, where malaria is endemic, pregnant women are especially vulnerable due to reduced immunity and placental sequestration of infected erythrocytes. Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent malaria-related complications. However, national coverage remains below the 80% target. This study aimed to assess IPTp uptake and its associated factors among pregnant women in five diverse regions of Cameroon.