Adherence to a six-dose regimen of Artemether-lumefantrine for Treatment of uncomplicated plasmodium falciparum malaria in Uganda

Abstract

Measuring baseline levels of adherence and identifying risk factors for non-adherence are important steps before the introduction of new antimalarials. In Mbarara in southwestern Uganda, we assessed adherence to artemetherlumefantrine (Coartem_) in its latest World Health Organization blister formulation. Patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria were prescribed artemether-lumefantrine and received an explanation of how to take the following five doses at home. A tablet count was made and a questionnaire was completed during a home visit. Among 210 analyzable patients, 21 (10.0%) were definitely or probably non-adherent, whereas 189 (90.0%) were probably adherent. Age group was not associated with adherence. Lack of formal education was the only factor associated with non-adherence after controlling for confounders (odds ratio _ 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] _ 1.1−9.7). Mean lumefantrine blood levels were lower among non-adherent (n _16) (2.76 _g/mL, 95% CI _ 1.06−4.45) than among adherent (n _ 171) (3.19 _g/mL, 95% CI _ 2.84−3.54) patients, but this difference was not statistically significant. The high adherence to artemether-lumefantrine found in our study suggest that this drug is likely to be very effective in Mbarara provided that patients receive clear dosage explanations