Use of Over-the-Counter Malaria Medicines in Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): Abuya Timothy O, Mutemi Wilfred, Karisa Baya, Ochola Sam A, Fegan Greg, Marsh Vicki
Primary Institution: Kenya Medical Research Institute/Wellcome Trust Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast
Hypothesis
This study aimed to assess childhood and adult patterns of OTC medicine use to inform national medicine retailer programmes in Kenya and other similar settings.
Conclusion
OTC medicines were popular first treatments for fever in children and acute illnesses in adults, with similar proportions using OTC antimalarials in areas of high and low malaria endemicity.
Supporting Evidence
- OTC medicines were the most popular first response to fever in children (47.0%) and adults (56.8%).
- 36.9% of adults and 22.7% of children using OTC medicines purchased antimalarials.
- Self-referral to a health facility within 72 hours of illness onset was common among those seeking further help.
Takeaway
In Kenya, many people use over-the-counter medicines to treat fevers, but they often don't use them correctly, especially for malaria.
Methodology
Large-scale cluster randomized surveys of treatment seeking practices and malaria parasite prevalence were conducted in three districts in Kenya.
Potential Biases
Potential for reporting bias due to reliance on caregiver recall for recent illness episodes.
Limitations
Data on treatment seeking behaviour were based on self-reports, which may be subject to recall and reporting biases.
Participant Demographics
The study included 11,505 children under five years and 19,914 adults across three districts in Kenya.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 45.5, 48.5
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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