Information Education and Communication can Improve Adherence to Artemether-Lumefantrine Combination in Patients of Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria.
BACKGROUND
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is vital to improve mortality in Falciparum Malaria. Information education and communication (IEC) is a strong tool that can improve drug adherence.


OBJECTIVE
To explore if IEC in the form of designed drug bags with verbal communication can improve ACT adherence in Falciparum Malaria patients.


METHODS
A prospective, interventional, controlled study was conducted in OPD patients of both SCB Medical college, Cuttack and district headquarter hospital Cuttack district of Odisha. IEC material in the form of well designed drug bag and verbal communication was used for intervention. Control group received ACT combinations but were not given IEC.


RESULTS
Adherence to IEC was significantly higher (81%) in patients receiving IEC compared to controlled patients not receiving IEC. Educational status and the geographical area of the patient were found out to affect adherence to IEC to a significant extent.


CONCLUSIONS
IEC in the form of designed drug bags, supplemented by verbal communication can improve ACT adherence in Falciparum Malaria.
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, SCB Medical College , Cuttack, Odisha, India .
Trupti Rekha
TR
Swain
Junior Resident, SCB Medical College, & Hospital , Cuttack, Odisha, India .
Anshupa
A
Raulo
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, SCB Medical College , Cuttack, Odisha, India .
Namita
N
Mohapatra
Junior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, SCB Medical College & Hospital Cuttack, Odisha, India .
Malaya Ranjan
MR
Singha
ACT; Adherence; Drug bag