Drivers of Tracking Administration of Malaria Drugs in Health Units in Uganda. A Descriptive and Correlational Study.

E. James Kiggundu  Ssegawa; Twalib   J. Nzanzu; Kassim Ssekabira; Winfred Arinaitwe

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v3i3.100

Authors

E. James Kiggundu Ssegawa Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Applied Science, Team University, Kampala, Uganda
Twalib J. Nzanzu Department of Public Health, Faculty of Applied Science, Team University, Kampala, Uganda.
Kassim Ssekabira Department of Public Health, Faculty of Applied Science, Team University, Kampala, Uganda.
Winfred Arinaitwe Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Applied Science, Team University, Kampala, Uganda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v3i3.100

Keywords:

Drivers, Malaria Drugs, Technology Controls, Health worker

Abstract

Background:

This study aimed at examining malaria intrinsic factors and technology controls as drivers of tracking administration malaria drugs focusing on the roles of both health workers and health units.

Methodology:

Descriptive and correlational research designs were employed upon 465 health workers from 564 health units in the central districts of Uganda for which purposive and randomization techniques were used.

Results:

8.5% of health workers don’t test blood in hospitals, HC III and clinics majorly private facilities that have existed between 5-9 years, nurses noticeably base on just own experience to examination malaria patients. 11.8% don’t use slides to examine blood, health units that have existed as below as five years fall suit. Difficulty in electronic data exchange (26.7%), lack freedom to use electronic systems to access information on malaria drugs (41.9%), poor networks connectivity (60.0%) and poor response time (50.5%) are prominent. Perceptions, attitudes, knowledge, and skills of use of ICTs affect tracking administration of malaria drugs.

Conclusion:

Parasites’ identification, quantification, and speciation concerns decrease from hospitals, clinics, HC III to IV in public health units that existed for 15 and below 5 years. Junior nurses with certificates and diplomas with work experience of 1-5 years mostly in general, pediatrics and “others” departments manage malaria issues with minimum guidance and supervision. Engagement of Rapid Diagnostic Test kits is higher in hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, HC III, and IV.

Recommendations:

MoH should improve on planning, surveillance, and supervision of health facilities across to enforce diagnosis for malaria cases management and reduction drug resistance. Regulate a holistic and non-discriminative policy on diagnosis, treatment (drugs), and control of malaria and emphasized balanced, effective, and sustainable results. Gargets, training to handle malaria cases regardless of whether the facility is public or privately be prioritized for good tracking administration of malaria drugs.