Abstract
BackgroundIn Southeast Asia, data on malaria treatment-seeking behaviours and related affecting factors are rare. The population of the Wa ethnic in Myanmar has difficulty in accessing formal health care. To understand malaria treatment-seeking behaviour and household-affecting factors of the Wa people, a cross-sectional study carried out in Shan Special Region II, Myanmar.MethodsThe two methods, questionnaire-based household surveys to household heads and in-depth interviews to key informants, were carried out independently. The proportion of treatment-seeking patterns was calculated. Logistic regression was used to determine affecting factors of treatment-seeking. Qualitative data were analysed by using Text Analysis Markup System.ResultsOverall, 87.5% of the febrile population sought treatment, but only 32.0% did so within 24 hours. The proportion accessing the retail sector (79.6%) was statistically significant higher (P<0.0001) than accessing the public sector (10.6%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified family income, distances from a health facility, family decision and patient characteristics being independently associated with delayed malaria treatment.ConclusionMalaria treatment-seeking behaviour is not appropriate, and affecting factors include health service systems, social and cultural factors in Wa State of Myanmar.
Highlights
In Southeast Asia, data on malaria treatment-seeking behaviours and related affecting factors are rare
Diagnosis and effective treatment of all malaria cases is an essential component to reduce the burden of malaria
Data on malaria treatment-seeking behaviours and household-affecting factors are rare in Southeast Asia [4,5]
Summary
In Southeast Asia, data on malaria treatment-seeking behaviours and related affecting factors are rare. To understand malaria treatment-seeking behaviour and household-affecting factors of the Wa people, a cross-sectional study carried out in Shan Special Region II, Myanmar. Diagnosis and effective treatment of all malaria cases is an essential component to reduce the burden of malaria. This requires appropriate infrastructure and resource, and active engagement and participation of communities [3]. Data on malaria treatment-seeking behaviours and household-affecting factors are rare in Southeast Asia [4,5]. The Wa ethnic minority lives across the China-Myanmar border and its total population is around 1.2 million (740,000 in Myanmar side, and 460,000 in China) [6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
