Abstract
BackgroundPrompt diagnosis and treatment prevents a mild case of malaria from developing into severe disease and death. Unfortunately, parasitological testing of febrile children is greater in the public and formal private sector than in the informal private sector in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsA mixed method study was carried out to determine factors limiting test-based management of suspected malaria cases among caregivers of febrile children and Over-the-Counter medicine sellers (OTCMS) in eight rural communities in Ghana. Structured questionnaires were used to interview 254 adult caregivers. Fourteen in-depth interviews were conducted with OTCMS. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically.ResultsThe most frequently sought health providers by caregivers of febrile children in descending order were Community Health-Based Planning Services (CHPS) compounds; drug vendors; and OTCMS. Malaria parasitological testing rate of febrile children was highest (94.9%) at the CHPS compound and lowest (10.5%) at the OTCMS shops. Proportion of febrile children not subjected to malaria blood test is 28.3%. Among caregivers who did not ask for malaria blood test, 15.2% reported that healthcare provider did not offer a malaria blood test; 21.7% were financially handicapped to visit the Health Centre; and 63% lacked knowledge of malaria blood test and where to get it. From OTCMS point of view, clients’ inability to pay for malaria blood test, community perception that OTCMS are unqualified to perform malaria blood test, financial loss when unused RDT kits expires, clients’ demand for half dose of ACT, and activities of drug peddlers are factors limiting adherence to WHO recommended policy on testing before treating uncomplicated malaria cases.ConclusionThe study results suggest the need to implement community friendly interventions aimed at improving test-based management of suspected malaria in febrile children. These may include educating caregivers and community members on the need to test and confirm malaria in febrile children before treating them, and supply of subsidized RDT kits to OTCMS and re-training them to provide testing services to their clients. Further studies pertaining to influence of gender roles on healthcare seeking attitude for febrile children is also suggested.
Highlights
Malaria continues to claim more than 400,000 lives every year and the most vulnerable group are children under 5 years
The study results suggest the need to implement community friendly interventions aimed at improving testbased management of suspected malaria in febrile children
Further studies pertaining to influence of gender roles on healthcare seeking attitude for febrile children is suggested
Summary
Malaria continues to claim more than 400,000 lives every year and the most vulnerable group are children under 5 years. Children accounted for 67% (272,000) of all malaria deaths worldwide in 2018. Access to care for febrile children remains too low and nearly 40% of such children in sub-Saharan Africa do not receive care from a trained medical provider [1]. The poorest of the poor in vulnerable communities in sub-Saharan Africa living in remote rural areas with limited access to health facilities suffer the most from malaria [2]. Prompt diagnosis and treatment prevents a mild case of malaria from developing into severe disease and death.
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