Skip to content
Home
About Us
Resources
Profiles Metrics
Authors Directory
Institutions Directory
Top Authors
Top Institutions
Top Sponsors
AI Digest
Contact Us
Menu
Home
About Us
Resources
Profiles Metrics
Authors Directory
Institutions Directory
Top Authors
Top Institutions
Top Sponsors
AI Digest
Contact Us
Home
About Us
Resources
Profiles Metrics
Authors Directory
Institutions Directory
Top Authors
Top Institutions
Top Sponsors
AI Digest
Contact Us
Menu
Home
About Us
Resources
Profiles Metrics
Authors Directory
Institutions Directory
Top Authors
Top Institutions
Top Sponsors
AI Digest
Contact Us
Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
Recognition, perceptions and treatment practices for severe malaria in rural Tanzania: Implications for accessing rectal artesunate as a pre-referral
PLoS ONE, Volume 2, No. 1, Article e149, Year 2007
Notification
URL copied to clipboard!
Description
Objectives. Preparatory to a community trial investigating how best to deliver rectal artesunate as pre-referral treatment for severe malaria; local understanding, perceptions of signs/symptoms of severe malaria and treatment-seeking patterns for and barriers to seeking biomedical treatment were investigated. Methodology/Principal Findings. 19 key informant interviews, 12 in-depth interviews and 14 focus group discussions targeting care-givers, opinion leaders, and formal and informal health care providers were conducted. Monthly fever episodes and danger signs or symptoms associated with severe malaria among under-fives were recorded. Respondents recognized convulsions, altered consciousness and coma, and were aware of their risks if not treated. But, these symptoms were perceived to be caused by supernatural forces, and traditional healers were identified as primary care providers. With some delay, mothers eventually visited a health facility when convulsions were part of the illness, despite pressures against this. Although vomiting and failure to eat/suck/drink were associated with malaria, they were not considered as indicators of danger signs unless combined with another more severe symptom. Study communities were familiar with rectal application of medicines. Conclusions/Significance. Communities' recognition and awareness of major symptoms of severe malaria could encourage action, but perceptions of their causes and poor discrimination of other danger signs - vomiting and failure to feed - might impede early treatment. An effective health education targeting parents/guardians, decision-makers/advisors, and formal and informal care providers might be a prerequisite for successful introduction of rectal artemisinins as an emergency treatment. Role of traditional healers in delivering such medication to the community should be explored. © 2007 Warsame et al.
Authors & Co-Authors
Warsame, Marian Yusuf
Sweden, Stockholm
Karolinska Institutet
Tanzania
National Institute for Medical Research Tanzania
Kimbute, Omari
Tanzania
National Institute for Medical Research Tanzania
Machinda, Zena
Tanzania
National Institute for Medical Research Tanzania
Ruddy, Patricia
Unknown Affiliation
Melkisedick, Majaha
Tanzania
National Institute for Medical Research Tanzania
Peto, Thomas Julian
Tanzania
National Institute for Medical Research Tanzania
Ribeiro, Isabela
Tanzania
National Institute for Medical Research Tanzania
Kitua, Andrew Yona
Sweden, Stockholm
Karolinska Institutet
Tomson, Göran B.
Sweden, Stockholm
Karolinska Institutet
Gomes, Melba F.
Tanzania
National Institute for Medical Research Tanzania
Statistics
Citations: 48
Authors: 10
Affiliations: 2
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1371/journal.pone.0000149
e-ISSN:
19326203
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Study Approach
Qualitative
Study Locations
Tanzania