Antimalarial Drug Prescribing Practices in Nigeria
Author Information
Author(s): Meremikwu Martin, Okomo Uduak, Nwachukwu Chukwuemeka, Oyo-Ita Angela, Eke-Njoku John, Okebe Joseph, Oyo-Ita Esu, Garner Paul
Primary Institution: Institute of Tropical Diseases Research and Prevention, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
Hypothesis
How do prescribing practices for uncomplicated malaria compare between private and public health facilities in Cross River State, Nigeria?
Conclusion
Malaria treatments varied, but there were not large differences between the public and private sector, with very few following current WHO guidelines.
Supporting Evidence
- 45% of patients had a diagnostic blood slide performed.
- 77% of patients were prescribed monotherapy.
- Only 3% of patients received artemisinin combination treatments.
Takeaway
Doctors in Nigeria are not following the best guidelines for treating malaria, and many are still using older medicines instead of the new recommended ones.
Methodology
Audit of 665 patient records at six private and seven government health facilities.
Potential Biases
Potential influence of the pharmaceutical industry on prescribing practices.
Limitations
Insufficient data in patient records made it difficult to assess the appropriateness of treatment dosages.
Participant Demographics
Patients included both adults and children, with a mix of urban and rural residents.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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