Abstract:
Background: malaria rapid diagnostic tests can provide a useful guide to the presence of
clinically significant malaria infection, particularly when good quality microscopy-based
diagnosis is unavailable. The success of the universal parasite-based malaria testing policy for
fever patients attending primary health care facilities in Ethiopia will depend highly on health
workers’ perceptions and practices. Rapid detection of the malaria parasites and early treatment
of infection remain the most important goals of disease management.
Objective: To assess malaria diagnosis and treatment practices following introduction of rapid
diagnosis test in Adama woreda health posts, central Ethiopia
Method: Descriptive cross sectional study design was conducted with fever patients and health
workers to determine the perception and practice related to rapid diagnostic tests and treatment
prescribed were assessed at selected Health posts.
RESULT: The survey was undertaken at ten health posts which use rapid diagnostic tests for
parasitological confirmation. Twenty health workers and 104 patients were interviewed at health
posts. Eighty three patients [79.85%] were seen in health post with available parasite based
diagnostic with RDTs and 21[20.2%] in facility without testing with rapid diagnostic test. The
overall malaria positivity rate was 48[57.8%]. Anti –malaria drugs were prescribed to all
48[100%] patients with positive rapid diagnostic tests and to 19[54.3%] of negative patients.
Among non-tested patients, anti-malaria drugs were given to 12[57.15%], with a higher
prescription rate in health posts without rapid diagnostic tests results. Among 104 patients
presenting with fever or history of fever 64[61.5%] were prescribed antibiotics and anti-pain.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Findings from this study show that over
prescription with anti-malarial drugs is practiced in Adama woreda health posts, central Ethiopia.
The use of malaria diagnostics was also associated with higher prescription of antibiotics among
patients with negative test results. The Adama woreda health bureau should retraining health
workers on rapid diagnostic tests and the importance of adhering to test results and support in the
diagnosis and management of other causes of fever
