Health care workers and key policy informant's knowledge of the use of calcium and low dose aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia in Malawian women.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated health care workers and key policy informant's knowledge, and barriers to the use of calcium and aspirin for preventing preeclampsia in Blantyre and Lilongwe, Malawi. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional formative study using semi-structured In-Depth Interview (IDIs) was conducted at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Reproductive Health Directorate, and the United Nations Population Development Fund (UNFPA) Office in 2021. Data was analyzed using NVIVO™ software. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze and interpret the findings. Emerging themes were then developed inductively and deductively. RESULTS: Doctors had greater knowledge of the use of calcium and aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia compared to nurses and key policy informants. Lack of knowledge, patient's late presentation, scarcity of calcium tablets and delays in implementing new guidelines were the barriers to use identified. CONCLUSION: This study shows that there are health care worker and policy level barriers that affect the implementation of calcium and aspirin use for the prevention of preeclampsia in Malawian women.