Although studies have shown the efficacy of Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) with
Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as a chemo ‘prophylaxis’ for malaria during pregnancy, the dose completion rate is still
low in many communities in Ghana. Since the implementation of the IPT with SP policy on pilot basis in some districts and
the scaling-up of the policy in other districts of the Upper West Region (UWR), available statistics reveal a high drop-out rate
in the second dose. This study assessed various factors that contribute to the low utilization and completion rate of SP, and
elicit suggestion for the improvement of the implementation of the policy. This anthropological study was conducted in the
Wa municipality of Ghana. A total of six FGDs were held, 4 with pregnant women and 2 with post natal mothers using a semi
structured questionnaire. In addition 17 key informant interviews of health service providers of different categories were
conducted and additional information on records also reviewed. The results revealed that there was high level of awareness
and knowledge of SP as an intervention for malaria prevention during pregnancy. However, negative factors like staff attitude
towards clients, mix understanding of correct doses and interval, poor quality of services, and distance to health facilities,
lack of proper education as well as culture hindered pregnant women from taking the drug leading to high dropout rate. The
study posits that the trend is likely to continue unless a clear policy governing the IPT is efficiently implemented.