Evaluation of the pediatric antimalarial prescriptions in a teaching hospital in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria in Nigeria with the highest morbidity and mortality in children between 6 months and 5 years continues to be a disease burden. In line with the World Health Organization recommendation of diagnosis in all ages before treatment, Nigeria provided guidelines on parasite-based diagnosis. Therefore, in order to achieve its preelimination and the reduction of mortality caused by it to zero by 2020, it is necessary to assess the compliance of the prescribers to the guidelines. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the cases who were diagnosed based on positive malaria parasite test and the level of compliance of the prescribers to the National Malaria Treatment Guidelines. Methods: A total of 3034 prescriptions of antimalarial drugs were collected between 2003 and 2011 in the Outpatient Department of the Pediatric Clinic. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS V.20.0 and grouped into two: prepolicy (2003–2005) and postpolicy (2006–2011) periods. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used at P