Understanding Anti-Malarial Drug Use in Western Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): Watsierah Carren A, Jura Walter GZO, Raballah Evans, Kaseje Dan, Abong'o Benard, Ouma Collins
Primary Institution: Great Lakes University of Kisumu
Hypothesis
What are the knowledge and behaviors influencing anti-malarial drug use in a peri-urban population of western Kenya?
Conclusion
Most consumers in the study area were knowledgeable about malaria symptoms but often used ineffective anti-malarial drugs and reported sub-optimal treatment regimens.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 29.4% of consumers used the correct dosage of ACT.
- Most respondents who used quinine identified the correct duration of use (96.4%).
- 61.6% of respondents took anti-malarial drugs without a prescription.
Takeaway
People in western Kenya know about malaria but often take the wrong medicines or dosages, which can make the disease harder to treat.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey using cluster sampling and structured questionnaires to assess knowledge and behavior regarding anti-malarial drug use.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from self-reporting and the influence of social desirability on responses.
Limitations
The study may not capture all behaviors due to reliance on self-reported data.
Participant Demographics
Residents of peri-urban Kisumu, Kenya, with a focus on households that experienced malaria within the last two weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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