A cross-sectional study of 208 males and females was conducted in Katanga, a suburb of Kampala, Uganda. The study examined the factors influencing anti-malarial drug treatment practices in relation to age, gender, household size, and education and determined relationships between variables. Qualitative data was derived from in-depth interviews with 13 key informants. Data was collected using a pre-tested 67-item malaria survey schedule and analyzed by SPSS 9.0 and Epi Info 6.0. Men were more likely to use chloroquine (Spearman’s R=-.245 p=.000) and traditional herbs (75%) (p=.039). Men were also more likely to receive anti-malarial drug treatment from private health clinics. Over 70% of respondents who received some formal education were more likely to receive quinine injections. Chloroquine (Spearman’s R=.267 p=.000) and Fansidar (Spearman’s R=.210 p=.008) users were more likely to use drugs optimally. Older respondents were more likely to go to government hospitals (Spearman’s R=.201 p=.004). Sixty-seven percent of respondents found anti-malarial drugs “very expensive”. It is suggested the increased availability of public health services would enhance access and optimal use of affordable anti-malarial drugs.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the most common anti-malarial drug treatment practices of the Katanga population and similar East African slum areas. 2. Describe interrelationships between socio-demographic characteristics and anti-malarial treatment practices. 3.Prioritize malaria prevention to reduce the increasing incidence and prevalence rates using Katanga as a model. 4. Develop strategies to enhance malaria education programs, which consider determinants of anti-malarial drug treatment practices.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Security Educational Program
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Funding agency