RESUMO
In a one-year longitudinal study of all clinical malaria cases treated by the Village Malaria Workers (VMWs) during 1999-2000, data on health-seeking behavior during a seven-day illness period were collected using a diary; 24 interactions were audiotaped. The results showed that 87% of cases had been treated by the VMWs on day four of the illness period. On day two, the percentage not treated was significantly higher in male as compared with female cases (p = 0.01) and in those below 15 years of age as compared with those 15 years and older (p < 0.001). "Not doing anything" and "using VMWs only" were the two most common actions. Interactions between the VMWs and the patients focused on medical tasks, and low compliance with treatment was a common concern of the VMWs. The concept of preventive measures and the role of mosquitoes were lacking in the interactions.