title: Pattern of antimalarial prescriptions for children and pregnant mothers by private medical practitioners in Ilorin, Nigeria.
abstract: A survey of the prescription practices of private medical practitioners (PMPs) in four local government areas in Kwara State, Nigeria, was carried out using a self-administered pre-tested questionnaire. A total of 49 respondents from 40 private health facilities participated in the survey. The prescription practice of a significant number of PMPs was not in conformity with the National Malarial Treatment policy. There was inadequate knowledge of the classification of malaria; hence, many of the respondents could not recognize severe malaria. Regular continuing medical education and distribution of information, education and communication materials on malaria to private health facilities are strongly recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, PMB 1459, Ilorin, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Olufunmilayo M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Ologe
authors.forename: Olugbenga A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Mokuolu
authors.forename: Olanrewaju T
authors.initials: OT
authors.lastname: Adedoyin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009549:Nigeria; D010820:Physicians; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011247:Pregnancy; D015597:Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017149:Private Sector; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000962:Antimalarials