Perceptions And Attitudes of Resident Doctors About Malaria Treatment as Per National Drug Policy on Malaria

Abstract

Background: The involvement of public and private health care providers in malaria treatment, particularly understanding their knowledge and practices will aid in devising strategies to increase the rational use of antimalarial drugs. They should be aware about rationale and implement national drug policy on malaria to prevent morbidity and mortality of malaria as well as development of antimalarial drug resistance. Therefore, a study was planned on the same issue among resident doctors of a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Objective: To study the perceptions and attitudes of resident doctors regarding use of anti malarial drugs for treatment of all types of malaria cases in accordance with national drug policy on malaria- 2010.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at tertiary care teaching hospital with sixty four (64) resident doctors of medicine (24), pediatrics (24) and obstetrics (16) departments with the help of pre tested; semi-structured questionnaire based on national drug policy on malaria-2010 from 15th July to 30th August 2010.

Results: Only 12 (18.8%) residents were aware about drug policy. Dose and duration and indication of primaquine was known to 21 (32.8%) of resident doctors. Artesunate (49.2%) and Arteether (16.9%) were commonly prescribed in case of uncomplicated P.falciparum and P.vivax malaria.

Conclusion: It was noticeable that knowledge and awareness regarding drug policy among resident doctors was unsatisfactory. Regular sensitization programme on malaria drug policy should be conducted.