The study evaluated the perceptions of artemisi
nin-based combination
therapies (ACTs) among
women seven years after it was adopted in Nigeri
a. A cross-sectional su
rvey was conducted in
Maiduguri, Nigeria between February and
May 2012 by interviewing
350 women. Majority
(86.3%) of the women demonstrated adequate
knowledge of malaria
symptoms. One hundred
and sixty seven (167/214, 78.0%) of 214 (61.1%) wo
men who received ACTs previously, took it
on prescriptions. Majority opted fo
r herbs (36.0%, P = 0.022) as fi
rst drug of choice for malaria
treatment. Most of the women perceived th
at ACTs are expensiv
e (74.9%, P<0.000001), not
readily available (72.3%, P<0.000001), not certain
of the safety (43.7%, P=0.031) and felt the
dosage is cumbersome (38.9%, P=0.038). Health in
stitutions accounted for highest source of
information about ACTs (57.5%, P<0.000001).
However, significant proportion (73.4%,
P<0.000001) opined that ACTs are effective in
malaria treatment. Low level of education,
resident in rural areas and previous consumpt
ion of ACTs were associated with positive
perceptions. Despite long time adoption of ACTs,
it is negatively perceived by Nigerian women
Balogun,
et al
., 2013:
ajrc.journal@gmail.com
American Journal of Research Communication
www.usa-journals.com
hence the need to increase ACTs supply and
im
prove on awareness campaign especially among
women with low level of education resident in rural areas.