ABSTRACT
Introduction: The burden of malaria in Nigeria and Africa is well documented. The current Nigeria anti-malaria drug policy has recommended artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) as the first-line drug treatment for uncomplicated malaria since 2005. It is now 8 years since the adoption of ACT and two years to the set time for the achievement of the MDGs. Objective: To assess the adherence of the PHC to the new policy on drug treatment for uncomplicated malaria. Methods: Using a pro-forma, relevant information about drug prescription of malaria cases between January 2008 and December 2009 was extracted from patients’ folders in the 3 comprehensive health centres being used by LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo. Additional data were also collected through the use of in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed with Epi-Info software 3.4.2. Results: A total of 8881 episodes of malaria were analyzed of which male children (0-5years) constituted the highest number. The commonest prescribed anti-malaria was oral Chloroquine (21.6%) for the 3 CHC combined. However, for each CHC, CQ was the commonest drug prescribed for Ilie and Atelewo CHC (41.6% and 25.5% respectively), while for Akogun CHC alone, it was Artesunate + SP. Akogun CHC was found to have the highest prescribed pre-packaged ACT. Factors responsible for inappropriate prescription were non-availability and perceived patients' nonaffordability and unwillingness to buy drugs. Conclusion: Prescription of CQ and SP as mono-therapy continues to prevail in the CHC. There is urgent need for ensuring compliance to the current and acceptable treatment for malaria. Other means of sustaining availability of anti-malaria drugs should be considered.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: A healthful school environment is that which embraces the health and safety of learners and other members of the school community. Undergoing pre-school medical examination (PSME) is not only necessary to screen for previously undiagnosed health conditions and subsequent recognition of those with special care but it is also imperative to have base-line health information about the pupils. This study seeks to elucidate the practices and determinants of school health services (SHS) in Osun state. Methodology: In the cross-sectional descriptive study, a total of 229 heads of schools (102 primary and 127 secondary) in Osun state were interviewed using a selfadministered questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 16. Level of significance was set at p-value of 0.05. Results: All the respondents were aware of SHS with 114(50.7%) having good knowledge. Although up to 209 (91.3%) are aware of PSME and 188 (83.6) agreed that it was necessary, only 46 (20.1%) have their pupils undergo PSME. Most schools (76.8%) provide toilet facilities mainly of the pit type. Overall knowledge of SHS was good in 114 (50.7%) of the respondents. Medical services are provided through First Aid box. 221(96.5%) and School clinic 43(19.5%) most (92.7%) of which are free. Overall practice of SHS was good in 42 (18.7%) of the respondents. Respondents from secondary and private schools had better knowledge and practice of SHS. Conclusion: The practice of SHS is below expectation. There is a need to improve knowledge of heads of schools concerning SHS emphasizing the importance of SHS.