Saleability of Anti-Malarials in Private Drug Shops in Muheza, Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Frank M. Ringsted, Isolide S. Massawe, Martha M. Lemnge, Ib C. Bygbjerg
Primary Institution: Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Hypothesis
What is the extent of anti-malarial drug sales in private shops in Muheza, Tanzania, and how does it affect treatment practices?
Conclusion
The sale of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) was negligible, while sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) remained the best-selling anti-malarial, undermining its intended use for pregnant women.
Supporting Evidence
- All surveyed drug shops sold SP and quinine, with SP accounting for 74% of sales volume.
- The calculated monthly sale was 4,041 doses in a town with a population of 15,000.
- ACT accounted for only 2% of the total anti-malarial sales.
Takeaway
In Muheza, many people are buying old anti-malarial drugs instead of the new ones, which can be bad for their health and make it harder for pregnant women to get the right treatment.
Methodology
Qualitative interviews and structured questionnaires were used to assess the saleability and sales volume of anti-malarials in private drug shops.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the informal nature of drug sales and reliance on self-reported data from shopkeepers.
Limitations
The study relied on voluntary participation from drug sellers, which may have limited the sharing of confidential information.
Participant Demographics
The study involved drug shop owners and shopkeepers in Muheza town, which has a population of approximately 15,000.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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