Pre-Packaged Anti-Malarial Tablets Or Syrup: Which Is The Better Option For The Treatment Of Malaria In Children 0 - 5 ?

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out in the Cape Coast Municipality of the Central Region

of Ghana.

Objectives of the Study were:

1. To describe the problem of compliance with chloroquine syrup in children 0-5

in terms of the kind of measures used, the frequency of administration and

the number of days medication is administered.

2. To describe and compare compliance with anti-malarials (chloroquine)

among clients receiving pre-packaged tablets to those receiving syrups for

their children 0-5 years.

3. To determine the perceptions of mothers concerning the acceptability,

convenience and ease of administration of pre-packaged tablets for children.

4. To compare the costs to the mother when pre-packaged chloroquine tablets

are prescribed as against syrup.

METHODS USED

Data for this study was collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

It was predominantly a quantitative study with a small element of qualitative to

dilate a bit more on perceptions of mothers.

Information was collected predominantly in the homes of clients who had

attended the clinic and been diagnosed as having malaria four days previously.