ADHERENCE OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO MALARIA TESTING AND TREATMENT GUIDELINES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN PASTORALIST COMMUNITY PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES OF SOUTH OMO ZONE, SOUTH ETHIOPIA REGION, 2025

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a serious, infectious, and life-threatening disease. Globally in 2022, there were an estimated 249 million malaria cases in 85 malaria-endemic countries and an estimated death toll of 608,000. Ethiopia is among the fifteen countries with the highest rates of malaria cases and deaths. Even though there is an agenda to element malaria by 2030, still it continues to be a major public health concern in Africa. Objective: This study aimed to assess the adherence of healthcare providers to malaria testing and treatment guidelines and associated factors in pastoralist community public health facilities of South Omo Zone, south Ethiopia region. Method: Facility based cross sectional study Design, quantitative data used and additionally, as a complimentary approach qualitative data were collected over the study period, from November 1, 2024, to December 4, 2024. Data was collected by interview using pre-tested structured questionnaires and qualitative data by in-depth interview. The collected data were coded and entered into SPSS Version 26.0 for management and analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the association between explanatory and outcome variables at a P-value of less than 0.05. For qualitative data, the process begins with transcription, and then the finding themes are presented narratively, supported by direct quotes from participants to illustrate key points and provide authenticity to the results. Result: The finding revealed the majority of respondents (60%) indicated that they have Good adherence to the national malaria test and treatment guidelines. Facility type and knowledge of malaria treatment guidelines were significantly associated with outcome variables. Among the respondents, those with poor knowledge regarding malaria testing and treatment guidelines were 41% less likely to adhere to these guidelines compared to their counterparts who had better knowledge. This finding is statistically significant, as indicated by the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 0.59 and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.32 to 0.95. Additionally, healthcare providers working in health centers were 27% less likely to adhere to malaria testing and treatment guidelines compared to those working in hospitals. This difference is also statistically significant, with an AOR of 0.73 and a 95% CI of 1.21 to 3.56. VIII | P a g e Conclusion: More than half of healthcare workers adhere to malaria diagnostic tests and treatment guidelines. While most healthcare providers adhere well to malaria guidelines, targeted interventions are needed to address gaps. Regular training and tackling faccontrol, enhancing patient care and public health outcomes. specific barriers, especially in health centers, can boost adherence and improve malaria