Parents' Perceptions, Attitudes and Acceptability of Treatment of Childhood Malaria with Artemisinin Combination Therapies in Ghana
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Date
2008
Authors
Adjei, G.O.
Darkwah, A.K.
Goka, Q.
Bart-Plange, C.
Alifrangis, M.L.
Kurtzhals, J.A.
Rodrigues, O.P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ghana Medical Journal 3(42): 99-106
Abstract
Background: There is little information on sociocultural
and contextual factors that may influence attitudes
of patients to new treatments, such as artemisinin
combination therapies (ACT).
Methods: Semi-structured questionnaires and focus
group discussions were used to assess views of parents
of children with uncomplicated malaria treated with
ACT in a low socio-economic area in Accra, Ghana.
Results: The majority of parents reported a favourable
experience, in terms of perceived i) rapidity of symptom
resolution, compared to their previous experience
of other therapies for childhood malaria, or ii) when
their experience was compared that of parents of children
treated with monotherapy. The parents of children
treated with ACT were more willing to pay for the
treatment, or adhere to the full treatment course. The
explanations given for adherence were consistent with
conventional biomedical explanations. Although careseeking
practices for childhood malaria were considered
appropriate, perceived or real barriers to accessible
health care were also important factors in the decision
to seek treatment. Household dynamics and perceived
inequities at the care-provider-patient interface
were identified as having potential negative impact on
care-seeking practices and adherence.
Conclusions: Health education messages aimed at improving
the response to childhood febrile illness should
include other strategic stakeholders, such as decisionmakers
at the household level. The effectiveness and
implementation success of the ACT policy could be
enhanced by highlighting and reinforcing messages
intrinsic to these regimens. Integrating the views of
caretakers during the clinical encounter was validated
as an empowerment tool that could aid in the appropriate
responses to childhood illness.
Description
Keywords
Socio-cultural factors, Artemisinin combination therapy, Malaria, Children, Ghana