Malaria Treatment in Enugu Urban Nigeria: Physicians\' Compliance with the National Treatment Guidelines

Abstract

Incorrect use of antimalarial drugs undermines therapeutic effectiveness and promotes emergence and spread of drug-resistant malaria. Strategies for improving compliance require accurate information about current practices.
This is a survey of the attitude and practices in the treatment of malaria among doctors practicing in Enugu urban, Nigeria.
Standard questionnaire technique was used among 300 doctors practicing in Enugu urban. Chloronquine and sulfadoxine – pyrimethamine were the commonest drugs used for treating uncomplicated malaria, while quinine was the commonest drug used for treating severe malaria. More than 60% of the doctors prescribe intramuscular chloroquine in the dosage of 5ml (~200mg) daily for 3 days for adults and 5mg/kg/daily for 3 days for children. Recommended dosage of quinine was used by 41.8% of the doctors in treating children, and 50% of doctors in treating in treating children, and 50% of doctors in treating adults. Only 40% of the doctors utilized the National guidelines for treatment of malaria. Comparison between duration of practice, or area of intramuscular chloroquine and intravenous quinines showed no significant difference with P values > 0.05.
It was concluded that incorrect use of parental antimalarial drugs occurs at all levels and specialties of medical doctors practicing in Enugu.


NQJHM Vol. 14 (3&4) 2004: pp. 227-232