Effectiveness of a concise malaria training program on knowledge, attitudes and practices among patent medicine vendors: A study protocol

Abstract

Despite several regional and global containment efforts by various government and non-governmental agencies, malaria still continues to ravage populations.  Most notable is Africa, which accounts for 90% of the global cases and corresponding estimated total deaths. High mortality and morbidity have been associated with a shortage of health manpower, with the disease having overburdened the health systems. Patent Medicine Vendors (PMVs) are common sources of over-the-counter medicines and services throughout sub-Saharan Africa, thanks to their already established close-to-client infrastructure. Many people patronize PMVs as an alternative to formal health institutions. However, various literature has shown evidence that the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of PMVs are grossly poor and insufficient to qualify them to fill the manpower gaps. The aim of this paper is to outline the study protocol of a trial to test the efficacy of malaria knowledge, attitude, and practice training among PMVs. A single blinded, randomized, controlled community trial was conducted at Yobe South Senatorial District among 292 respondent PMVs by comparing an intervention to a placebo-controlled arm. Four assessments were performed using self-administered questionnaires. The primary outcome measured was an expected increase in KAP at follow-up assessments compared to baseline assessments. Analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS version 26. The study tested the efficacy of a randomized controlled trial on malaria KAP involving various health promotion methods. It is hoped that the developed module will offer effective training that could serve as a model to reduce the scourge of malaria in all of sub-Saharan Africa.