ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN 2326-7267 Vol. 13 (9), pp. 001-007, September, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Understanding the Knowledge Gap in Antimalarial Treatments: A Study of Self-Medication Trends Among Women in Nigeria
Jombo G. T. A.1*, Mbaawuaga E. M. 2, Denen Akaa P.3, Alao O. O.4, Peters E. J.5, Dauda M. A.6, Okwori E. E.1, Akosu T. J.7, Etukumana E. A.8 and Yaakugh J. B1
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, P. M. B.
102119, Makurdi, Nigeria.
2Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Benue State University, P. M. B. 102119, Makurdi, Nigeria.
3Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
4Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, P. M. B.
102119, Makurdi, Nigeria.
5Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria.
6Department of Histopathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
7Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
8Department of Family Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Uyo, Nigeria.
Accepted 24 August, 2024
Abstract
Correct knowledge of current antimalarial drugs available for malaria treatment by Nigerians has a significant impact on the overall success of the ongoing national malaria control programme. This is as a result of a large segment of the communities, who more often than not, rely on self medications or as care givers influence the choice drugs for malaria treatment for their wards. The study was therefore set up to ascertain the types of drugs used for self medication of malaria among adult women in Makurdi city. The study was cross-sectional in nature involving adult women who were selected from households using systematic sampling methods. Quantitative information such as age, educational level, marital status, occupation and knowledge of malaria were obtained using structured and semi structured questionnaires, while qualitative information was obtained using focussed and in-depth group discussions to complement quantitative data. Those aware of existence of malaria were 97% (2,013/2075) with no significant age difference (P > 0.05) while 3.0% (62/2,075) with no knowledge of malaria all had no education (P < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between low economic status, low educational level and unemployment, and self medications for malaria (RR = 1.4 - 1.55). Several drugs with no antimalarial properties were mentioned by the respondents with the factors earlier stated still playing significant roles; and little or no mention was made of the artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) by the same group (P < 0.05). There should be a renewed sensitization and public awareness about the current trend in the control of malaria with special emphasis on the use of ACT; also introduction of home managers of malaria for commencement of intermittent preventive treatment should be considered a priority.
Key words: Drugs, self-medication, malaria, adult women.