Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of antimalarial drug prescriptions by health-care providers in Cameroon: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION

With recent reports of the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in Africa, health-care providers are pivotal in the optimal effectiveness of these drugs. This systematic review was designed to analyze knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health-care providers toward antimalarial drug prescriptions in Cameroon.

METHODS

The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024596768). Reference databases were queried to identify relevant studies as per PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the JBI tools.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included. The analysis indicates that health-care providers are knowledgeable about ACTs and national treatment guidelines. However, their attitudes and practices toward adherence to guidelines remain inconsistent and often suboptimal. Drug prescription without laboratory confirmation of malaria, non-prescription drug administration, and incorrect prescriptions (incorrect drugs and/or posology) are the main malpractices. Key gaps include a lack of studies in underrepresented regions, non-P. falciparum malaria treatment, and therapeutic management of special populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the findings outline the need to reinforce awareness strategies in health-care providers and address the identified gaps to achieve successful malaria control in Cameroon.