dc.contributor.author | Batwala, Vincent | |
dc.contributor.author | Magnussen, Pascal | |
dc.contributor.author | Nuwaha, Fred | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2021-11-25T07:21:23Z | |
dc.date.available | 2021-11-25T07:21:23Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2011 | |
dc.identifier.citation | Batwala, V., Magnussen, P., & Nuwaha, F. (2011). Comparative feasibility of implementing rapid diagnostic test and microscopy for parasitological diagnosis of malaria in Uganda. Malaria journal, 10(1), 1-9. | en_US |
dc.identifier.uri | http://ir.must.ac.ug/xmlui/handle/123456789/999 | |
dc.description.abstract | Background: In Uganda, parasite-based diagnosis is recommended for every patient suspected to have malaria before prescribing anti-malarials. However, the majority of patients are still treated presumptively especially in low level
health units. The feasibility of implementing parasite-based diagnosis for uncomplicated malaria in rural health centres (HCs) was investigated with a view to recommending measures for scaling up the policy.
Methods: Thirty HCs were randomized to implement parasite-based diagnosis based on rapid diagnostic tests [RDTs] (n = 10), blood microscopy (n = 10) and presumptive diagnosis (control arm) (n = 10). Feasibility was assessed by comparing the proportion of patients who received parasite-based diagnosis; with a positive malaria parasite-based diagnosis who received artemether-lumefantrine (AL); with a negative malaria parasite-based diagnosis who received AL; and patient waiting time. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00565071.
Results: 102, 087 outpatients were enrolled. Patients were more likely to be tested in the RDT 44, 565 (96.6%) than in microscopy arm 19, 545 (60.9%) [RR: 1.59]. RDTs reduced patient waiting time compared to microscopy and were more convenient to health workers and patients. Majority 23, 804 (99.7%) in presumptive arm were prescribed AL. All (100%) of patients who tested positive for malaria in RDT and microscopy arms were prescribed anti-malarials. Parasitological-based diagnosis significantly reduced AL prescription in RDT arm [RR: 0.62] and microscopy arm [RR: 0.72] compared to presumptive treatment. Among patients not tested in the two intervention arms, 12, 044 (96.1%) in microscopy and 965 (61.6%) in RDT arm were treated with AL [RR: 1.56]. Overall 10, 558 (29.4%) with negative results [5, 110 (23.4%) in RDT and 5, 448 (39.0%) in microscopy arms] were prescribed AL.
Conclusion: It was more feasible to implement parasite-based diagnosis for malaria using RDT than with
microscopy. A high proportion of patients with negative malaria results are still prescribed anti-malarials. There is
need to increase access to parasite-based diagnosis where microscopy is used. In order to fully harness the
benefits of parasitological confirmation of malaria, it is necessary to reduce the prescription of anti-malarials in
negative patients. | en_US |
dc.description.sponsorship | TARGETS Makerere University School of Public Health/Department for International Development project | en_US |
dc.language.iso | en_US | en_US |
dc.publisher | Malaria Journal | en_US |
dc.subject | Microscopy | en_US |
dc.subject | Parasitological | en_US |
dc.subject | Uganda | en_US |
dc.subject | Malaria | en_US |
dc.title | Comparative feasibility of implementing rapid diagnostic test and microscopy for parasitological diagnosis of malaria in Uganda | en_US |
dc.type | Article | en_US |