Barriers to Effective Management of Malaria in Children under Five Years in a Primary Care, Ghana

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Background: Malaria is one of the leading causes of mortality among children below 5 years of age in Ghana. This study aimed to determine the barriers affecting the management of malaria in children under 5 years in Manhyia hospital, Ghana. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Manhyia hospital, Kumasi. Questionnaires were administered to 131 health workers as well as 132 guardians of the children below 5 years affected with malaria to obtain data including socio-demographic characteristics of the children, guardians and health workers, the knowledge and practices towards good management of malaria and the challenges faced by guardians and health workers in malaria management. Results: Majority of the infected children (38.6%) were between 1-6 months old. Route of drug administration (p=0.018) and those who were resistant to the action of the anti-malarial drugs (p<0.001) were significantly related to the outcome condition of the child after treatment. General body weakness (80.9%) was the common side effect of the anti-malaria drugs. There was no significant barrier affecting malaria management from the results from the guardians. However, affordability of the anti-malarial drug (24.2%) was a challenge to the parents/guardians. Conclusion: constant supply of quality but affordable drugs and adequate supervision working synergistically will ensure appropriate management of malaria in children and in turn improve the quality of healthcare.