Malaria prevention practices among patients attending the NTOUM departmental hospital, Northwest Gabon
1 Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Research in Biochemistry (LAREBIO), University of Sciences and Techniques of Masuku (USTM) Franceville, Gabon.
2 Department of Biology, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology (LABMC), University of Science and Technology of Masuku (USTM), Franceville, Gabon.
3 Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences (USS).
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Biology and Pharmacy, 2024, 11(01), 073–080.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjbp.2024.11.1.0019
Publication history:
Received on 13 March 2024; revised on 08 May 2024; accepted on 11 May 2024
Abstract:
Introduction: In Gabon, a territory located in Central Africa, prevention is an essential measure in the fight against malaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in the Komo-Mondah department, the prophylaxis practices employed by the inhabitants of the commune of Ntoum and the prevalence of anti-malarial drugs prescribed by local doctors. Methods: We carried out a prospective, cross-sectional study over a 3-month period, on patients of both sexes and of all ages who came for consultation to the departmental hospital of Ntoum. Patients who had a prescription for malaria drugs at the end of their medical visit were included in the study. Results: Of the 248 subjects enrolled, children under 5 years of age were the main victims (84%).Indeed, children under 5 were two (2) and three (3) times more likely to test positive to malaria than the age group 16-24 (OR = 2.44 [1.05 - 5.63]; P ˂ 0.05) , 25 and over (OR= 3.10 [1.46 - 6.59]; P ˂ 0.05), respectively. Anti-malaria prophylaxis was practiced by 80% of the study population. Patients who declared sleeping under a bed net appear to be protected compare to those who did not (OR= 0.53 [0.28 - 0.97] ; P ˂ 0.05). Self-medication was recorded in 29% of patients, and the drugs most commonly prescribed by doctors were artemisinin-based combinations, including Artefan (51%), Coartem (30%) and Eurartesim (2%). Conclusion: Although conventional prophylaxis measures (vector control and chemoprevention) are adopted by many Gabonese, careful pharmacological management and the implementation of targeted, long-term prevention-surveillance and health education strategies will enable effective malaria control in this part of Gabon.
Keywords:
Prophylaxis; Malaria; Ntoum; Komo-Mondah; Estuaire
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