An Intervention program to evaluate the administration of anti-malarial medications for children attendign urban clinics in NCD, Papua New Guinea.
- Author:
Joshua IB
;
Sunderland BV.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Malaria;
Anti-malarial medications;
PNG.
- From:
Pacific Journal of Medical Sciences
2008;5(1):5-21
- CountryPapua New Guinea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Malaria is a major killer in the tropics and a major public health problem in developing countries and Papua New Guinea (PNG) is no exception. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of an education program on patients’ carers’ understanding and effective use of anti-malarial drugs for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children in general health clinics in PNG. The trial design involved a pre-post intervention study with a control group. The study was undertaken in the National Capital District (NCD), PNG using Gerehu Clinic as the intervention site and Hohola St Therese Clinic as the control site. Three questionnaires were developed to evaluate the process and outcomes of malaria drug treatment in the above health facilities. Prescribing data were collected from prescriptions and patient carers’ interviewed prior to the intervention program. Following the provision of drug information to patient carers, similar drug information and compliance questioning was undertaken. Differences in the pre-post elements of the study and in the control group over the study period were evaluated using Chi-Squared, Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher’s Exact or Student’s t-tests as appropriate. In excess of 100 patients in the pre- and in the post intervention phases were evaluated for their understanding and effective use of the anti-malarial drugs. In addition, 100 clients were in the control group at another clinic. The use of medicines was strongly supported with more than 70% of carers indicating no problems with the medications. In patients 10 years or less or their carers, it was found, there was a significant improvement in the carers understanding of the medications. There was a statistically significant improvement in patient outcomes from 57.9% to 92.3% reported as cured following the intervention program. In conclusion, the study identified an improvement in patient outcomes with respect to malaria. Hence, the simple intervention program in influencing patient carers understanding on the appropriate and effective use of medications led to a marked improvement in patient outcomes.
