Factors associated with malaria treatment failures in Ibadan

Area of Science:

• Malariology
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimalarial drug resistance poses a significant threat to malaria control efforts globally.
• Understanding factors influencing treatment outcomes is crucial for effective malaria management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with antimalarial drug resistance in selected areas of Ibadan.
• To assess the impact of treatment completion on malaria infection clearance.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1102 subjects in Ibadan, utilizing semi-structured questionnaires.
• Respondents were categorized into high and low drug-resistant areas.
• Statistical analysis included Mantel-Haenszel test to evaluate treatment compliance and outcomes.

Main Results:

• High usage of chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for malaria treatment was observed.
• Treatment completion was significantly associated with higher rates of infection clearance (OR = 3.44).
• Non-compliance with antimalarial treatment emerged as a key factor in treatment failure.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to prescribed antimalarial treatment regimens is critical for successful malaria treatment outcomes.
• Health education emphasizing the importance of completing treatment courses is essential in communities with high malaria prevalence.
• While drug resistance prevalence showed a slight, non-significant increase in high-resistance areas, compliance remains a pivotal factor.