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Developing job aids to increase adherence to an antibiotic regimen in children with pneumonia in Niger.

Author(s): 
Edson WN | Boucar M | Koniz-Booher P | Djibrina S | Mahamane I
Organization: Quality Assurance Project/URC

Region and Country: Africa, Sub Saharan, Niger

Year: 
2004
Language: 
English
Description: 

The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has increased the worldwide threat of infectious disease. Strategies to curb the development of AMR include improving (1) patient counseling and (2) antibiotic regimen adherence. The purpose of this study was to develop job aids to enhance parental compliance with antibiotic regimens (specifically cotrimoxazole) for the treatment of pneumonia in children in the Dosso Region, Boboye District, of Niger. As a first step, a qualitative methodology was used to assess parental knowledge of respiratory infection, medications (specifically antibiotic therapy), traditional remedies, healthseeking behavior, cultural beliefs about wellness and illness, traditional dissemination of information, and the appropriate way to deliver a message to caretakers of children. Observation of health center activities included patient counseling, availability and/or quality of counseling materials, and the number and duration of antibiotic stock outs. The findings of the first step were presented in a workshop for Ministry of Health personnel in Niger. Workshop participants developed key messages, which resulted in several ideas for job aids for both health workers and caretakers. These ideas included a counseling card and poster for health workers and a medication envelope with images from the counseling card/poster for mothers. Draft versions were tested, modified, and retested prior to production. (author's)