EVALUATION OF PATTERN OF MALARIA TREATMENT IN A HEALTH FACILITY IN BAYELSA STATE

Malaria remains a major public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease carries a high burden in Nigerian society, thus making its treatment very important. The disease also presents with several co-morbidities and complications, thus requiring more drugs for treatment. This study examined the patterns of malaria treatment at General Hospital Amassoma (GHA) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A retrospective review of 225 patients' case notes diagnosed with malaria from January 2021 to January 2024 was conducted. The most common co-morbidities with malaria were enteric fever (24%), septicemia (8%), anxiety disorder (8%), anemia (5.33%), helminthiasis (5.33%), and arthritis (5.33%). The most frequently prescribed antimalarial drugs were injection artemether (64%), artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) (60%), followed by paracetamol (81.33%), amoxicillin (34.67%), and vitamin B complex (18.67%). Treatment patterns varied based on complicated vs uncomplicated malaria as well as specific co-morbidities. For uncomplicated malaria, common regimens included ACT, injection artemether, amoxicillin, and vitamin B complex. Severe malaria was often treated with parenteral artesunate followed by oral ACT, along with adjunctive medications. Antimalarial treatment adhered to WHO guidelines, though regimens were tailored to individual patient presentations and co-morbidities. These findings provide insights into real-world antimalarial prescribing practices in this endemic region of Nigeria. Act 45 60.00 28 37.33 Amoxicillin 26 34.67 47 62.67