Risk management of adverse effects of antimalarial drugs: Knowledge of Physicians and Pharmacists in KAYES, MALI

¹ Epidemiology laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Morocco.
² Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali.

^* corresponding author : drbtraore@gmail.com

Abstract

In order to improve therapeutic compliance and prevent antimalarial drug resistance, we conducted this study to evaluate the knowledge of physicians and pharmacists in Kayes on the management of adverse effects of antimalarial drugs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2017 among physicians and pharmacists selected by simple random sampling and practicing in the Kayes region for more than one year. The survey was based on a questionnaire proposed by the national pharmacovigilance center. In addition to a descriptive analysis of the results, a logistic regression analysis was performed to assess potential factors that could be associated with knowledge. Results: Among 151 physicians and pharmacists participated in the study, less than 40% had better knowledge about the management of antimalarial drug adverse events. Physicians and pharmacists working in government facilities were more likely to have better knowledge compared with those working in other facilities (OR=8.38; 95% CI: 2.48-28.30). In addition, pharmacists were more likely to have better knowledge than physicians (OR=3.48; 95% CI: 1.21-12.19). Conclusions: The frequency of good knowledge of the management of adverse drug reactions to antimalarials is insufficient, although membership in government structures and profession seem likely to improve it.