Malaria poses a significant threat to pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa, necessitating effective interventions like the intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP). However, challenges persist in the uptake and effectiveness of this intervention. This scoping review aims to explore IPTp-SP uptake in African countries, identify influencing factors, and assess its effectiveness in preventing malaria and adverse outcomes in pregnancy. This scoping review follows Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, employing the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for reporting. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, JSTOR, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest, focusing on studies post-2000 published in the English language. The search produced 15,153 records, of which 104 full-text records were eligible and 101 papers were included in this review. The findings suggest varying IPTp-SP uptake rates, spanning from 5.3% to 98.9%, with their effectiveness supported by longitudinal studies, randomised controlled-trials (RCTs), cross-sectional surveys, and mixed-method studies. IPTp-SP demonstrates efficacy in reducing malaria during pregnancy, placental parasitaemia, and anaemia episodes, alongside improved birth outcomes. Common adverse effects of IPTp-SP include prematurity and low birth weight. Facilitators of IPTp-SP uptake include education and ANC attendance, while commonly reported barriers included inadequate knowledge and healthcare system challenges. The findings also suggest adverse effects such as prematurity, low birth weight, and maternal and perinatal mortality associated with IPTp-SP uptake. It is vital to strengthen antenatal care services by integrating comprehensive counselling on IPTp-SP and address healthcare system challenges. Community engagement, women’s empowerment, and context-specific interventions are necessary for promoting IPTp-SP uptake and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Africa.

Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) presents significant health challenges globally. Despite its prevalence in diverse geographical regions, there is a paucity of literature synthesizing evidence on healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward SCD assessment and management. This meta-aggregative review systematically examined and synthesized existing qualitative research to elucidate healthcare professionals’ KAP regarding SCD assessment and management. Methods: This meta-aggregative review followed Aromataris and Pearson’s guidelines and the PRISMA framework for systematic review reporting. The search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Web of Science, Google Scholar, Dimensions AI, and HINARI. Quality appraisal was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Results: Healthcare professionals (HCPs) demonstrate varying levels of KAP toward SCD assessment and management. Studies reveal low-to-moderate levels of general knowledge among HCPs, with nurses often exhibiting poorer understanding than physicians. Deficiencies in awareness of specific interventions, such as chemoprophylaxis and prenatal diagnosis, are noted, along with gaps in SCD assessment and diagnosis, particularly in pain management and premarital screening. Attitudes toward SCD patients vary, and practices reveal inconsistencies and deficiencies, including inadequate nutritional counseling and barriers in emergency departments. However, interventions aimed at improving HCPs’ KAP show promise in enhancing understanding and attitudes toward SCD, suggesting potential avenues for improvement. Conclusions: Educational initiatives targeted at both student nurses and practicing healthcare providers, coupled with the implementation of standardized protocols and guidelines, can enhance knowledge acquisition and promote consistent, high-quality care delivery. Future studies should improve the quality of their methods in this area of study.

Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a significant global health burden, particularly affecting individuals in developing countries with constrained healthcare resources. While research on self-management in the context of SCD is emerging, it has predominantly focused on primary studies. The aim of the scoping review was to identify and map self-management needs of individuals living with SCD, the strategies they employed to meet those needs, and the support interventions available to them. Methods and analysis The review was conducted following the Askey and O’Malley’s framework to examine the landscape of SCD self-management research. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Dimensions AI, with additional searches in other databases from inception to June 2024 included. Evidence from 14 studies was synthesised to identify self-management needs, strategies and interventions for individuals with SCD. Results The review identified diverse self-management needs among individuals with SCD, including knowledge deficits, emotional challenges, physical limitations and barriers to healthcare access. Various self-management strategies were reported, such as nutritional management, psychological coping techniques and proactive healthcare management. Self-management interventions, predominantly delivered by healthcare professionals, focused on providing education, skills training and support to individuals with SCD. The outcomes of self-management interventions consistently demonstrated significant improvements across various dimensions, including self-efficacy, knowledge enhancement, self-care practices and psychological well-being among individuals with SCD. Conclusion This scoping review underscores the importance of addressing the diverse self-management needs of individuals with SCD through tailored interventions and support systems to enhance overall well-being and disease management. Healthcare professionals should prioritise the implementation of multidisciplinary self-management interventions that encompass medical, emotional and social aspects of care to effectively support individuals with SCD in managing their condition. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess the long-term effectiveness of self-management interventions in improving patient outcomes.

Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women in Ghana, yet screening coverage is extremely low and organised national programmes are limited. Although several studies have examined determinants of screening, no comprehensive synthesis has summarised the evidence to guide effective policy and intervention design. Objective: To synthesise existing evidence on determinants of cervical screening in Ghana and identify opportunities to strengthen national screening strategies. Design: This is a systematic review conducted following Aromataris and Pearson’s methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches across PubMed Central, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and grey literature (January 2000–July 2025) identified studies reporting barriers and facilitators of cervical screening in Ghana. Risk of bias was assessed using standard appraisal tools. Setting: This study was conducted in the context of Ghana. Results: Of 7833 records screened, 32 studies met inclusion criteria. Barriers to cervical screening spanned individual, interpersonal, health system, socio-cultural and structural factors, including poor knowledge, fear, limited access, financial constraints and social norms. Facilitators included knowledge and awareness, provider recommendation, social support, positive health perceptions, healthcare access and cost-related enablers. Overall, 23 studies were rated low risk of bias, while nine were rated moderate risk of bias. Conclusion: Cervical screening behaviour in Ghana is influenced by structural, cultural, psychological and informational factors. The reviewed evidence suggests that these determinants do not operate in isolation but interact in ways that may vary across contexts and populations. OSF registration number: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/M4XKT .