Abstract:
Background: This study sought to determine the level of adherence to Coartem© in the routine treatment of
uncomplicated malaria among children under the age of five years in Nyando district, Kenya.
Methods: Seventy-three children below the age of five years with microscopically confirmed uncomplicated
Plasmodium falciparum malaria and prescribed Coartem® during the normal outpatient department hours were included
into the study on 27th of April to 15th of May 2009. Adherence was assessed through a semi-structured interviewer
administered questionnaire; pill count and blister pack recovery. Patients were then classified into three categories of
adherence. Patients who had tablets remaining in the blister pack were classified as definitely non-adherent. Those who
had blister pack missing or empty and the caretaker did not report administering all the doses at the correct time and
amount were considered probably non-adherent or as probably adherent when the caretaker reported administering all
doses at the correct time and amount.
Results: Nine (14.5%) patients were definitely non-adherent, 6 (9.7%) probably non-adherent and 47 (75.8%)
probably adherent. The most significantly left tablet was the sixth doses (P = 0.029).
Conclusion: Caretakers should be made much aware that non-adherence might not only be dangerous to child’s
health but also dramatically increase the financial cost for public-health services
