Coverage and effectiveness of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) on adverse pregnancy outcomes in the Mount Cameroon area, South West Cameroon

Abstract Background Growing concerns about the waning efficacy of IPTp-SP warrants continuous monitoring and evaluation. This study determined coverage of IPTp-SP and compared the effectiveness of the 3-dose to 2-dose regimen on placental malaria (PM) infection and low birth weight (LBW) in the Mount Cameroon area. Methods Consenting pregnant women were enrolled consecutively through a cross-sectional survey at delivery at four antenatal clinics, two each from semi-rural and semi-urban settings from November 2016 to December 2017. Reported IPTp-SP use, demographic and antenatal clinic (ANC) data of the mothers and neonate birth weights were documented. Maternal haemoglobin concentration was measured using a haemoglobinometer and PM infection diagnosed by placental blood microscopy. Logistic regression analysis was used to model study outcomes. Results Among the 465 parturient women enrolled, 47.0% (203), 34.7% (150), 18.3% (79) and 7.1% (33) reported uptake of ≥ 3, 2.1 dose(s) and no SP, respectively. Uptake of ≥ 3 doses varied significantly (p