| Summary: | Background: It has been estimated that there are 4000 licensed drug shops throughout Uganda
with approximately 39% being unlicensed and unregulated with the latter being common in
rural areas. Unregulated drug vendors play a major role in malaria management for young
children (age five and under) since they are often the first points of access for caregivers
seeking treatment for their sick children. As a result, their ability to manage malaria has a great
influence on malaria outcomes in the rural community.
Objective: The study assessed practices of unregulated drug vendors related to case
management for children five and under. Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in other areas of
malaria management were also assessed to better understand their practices.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive and qualitative design using a semi-structured
interview. A district-wide census identified 88 unlicensed, unregulated drug vendors in which
75 participants were recruited into the study through a purposive sampling strategy.
Results: The study found that a large proportion of drug vendors were unqualified to operate a
drug shop. Several flaws in their practices were identified including vendors dispensing quinine
instead of first-line ACT, irrational poly-pharmacy, dispensing oral quinine indiscriminately,
providing under-dose treatment and selling ineffective antimalarials. Only 26.7% of vendors
stocked ACTs while 90.7% stocked quinine (oral). Only 27.9% reported ACT as the best option to
treat malaria, while others believed in less effective medicines. Some vendors also offered
responses to questions that indicated incorrect beliefs related to cause, prevention, and effectiveness of different antimalarials. Although many were unqualified and demonstrated poor knowledge, beliefs and practices related to malaria management, many were interested in participating in future programs. About 89.0% expressed preference for short-term training sessions. Conclusion: Small proportion of drug vendors stocking ACTs suggests effective treatment of malaria at home may be compromised due to clients and children likely receiving less effective antimalarials for treatment. The findings also call for a program to deliver training to unregulated vendors to enhance treatment practices and also correcting misconceptions and flawed beliefs in other areas of malaria management. === Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of === Graduate
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