The aim of this study is to address this gap in knowledge by measuring the level of patient
adherence to co-formulated amodiaquine and artesunate (AQ-AS) compared to
artemether-lumefantrine (AL) under routine conditions in Sierra Leone and explore the key
factors that influence adherence. This will be addressed through a mixed methods study that
will provide not only a measurement of adherence ACTs and malaria test results, but will also
provide contextual information in order to better understand factors that affect adherence.
Data will be collected through a series of interviews with health workers and
parents/caregivers and through observations of patient-provider consultations.
The first stage of the study begins with semi-structured interviews and observations of
patients/caretakers' consultations with health workers and will look at how health workers
diagnose and treat malaria. This will be followed by short exit interviews at the health
facility with caregivers to assess patient satisfaction with services, as well as to test the
consistency between the data obtained through structured observations and the exit
interviews.
Follow-up surveys at the homes of patients will be used to measure and compare the adherence
of participants to two different ACTs (AQAS and AL) formulations and potential factors that
affect adherence. Additionally, data will be collected using in-depth interviews to collect
supplementary information in order to discover, in more detail, factors that may affect
behavioral choices and/or attitudes with regard to adherence.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Collaborators:
National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health and Sanitation Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, Ministry of Health and Sanitation