A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PATIENT’S ADHERENCE TO ANTIMALARIAL MEDICATION REGIMEN AMONG STUDENTS OF PHARMACY AND MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE IN MADONNA UNIVERSITY (500L)
Abstract
BACKGROUND OF STUDY: Antimalarial medications play a pivotal role in managing and
preventing malaria. However, the effectiveness of these medications relies heavily on
patient adherence to prescribed regimens. Adherence to antimalarial medications ensures
timely treatment, reduces the risk of complications, and curtails the spread of the disease.
Poor adherence can lead to treatment failure, increased morbidity, and the potential for
drug-resistant malaria strains to emerge, posing a significant public health risk.
OBJECTIVES: This study is to compare and analyze the adherence to antimalarial medication
regimens among pharmacy and medical laboratory students in Madonna University. By
identifying factors influencing adherence and understanding the differences between these
two student groups.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was carried out to assess patient adherence to
antimalarial medication regimen among students of pharmacy and medical laboratory
science in Madonna University, Elele campus, Rivers State. Responses from the study was
coded and entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21) for analysis.
RESULTS: The largest age range of the respondents was from 18-23 years old, 178 making it
75.8% of the population. In terms of course of study, Pharmacy students were more in
number(55.7%) than Medical Laboratory Science students. The most taken antimalarial was
arthemeter/ lumenfantrine 149 (69.3%).
CONCLUSION: Pharmacy students demonstrated a higher level of adherence, which can be
attributed to their extensive knowledge, direct patient interaction experiences, and
professional training. Their understanding of medications and patient care played a
significant role in promoting adherence to antimalarial regimens.
KEYWORD: Antimalarial, pharmacy, medical laboratory, adherence, medications, students,
Madonna University
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