Malaria Diagnosis And Treatment Practice Following Introduction Of Rapid Diagnostic Test In Selected Health Posts Of Adama Woreda, East Shewa Zone, Oromia Region ,Centeral Ethiopia.

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