Factors associated with non-adherence to the treatment of vivax malaria in a rural community from the Brazilian Amazon Basin

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the association between demographic and behavioral factors and non-adherence to antimalarial therapy.

METHODS

A demographic questionnaire and 5-item self-reported questionnaire regarding non-adherence were completed by 135 patients after treatment for Plasmodium vivax.

RESULTS

Treatment interruption, but not demographic factors, was significantly associated with non-adherence to therapy. The likelihood of non-adherence was 5.16 times higher when the patients felt better than when they felt worse. The relative risk of parasitic resurgence was 3.04 times higher in non-adherent patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment interruption is significantly associated with treatment adherence.

Keywords:
Malaria; Resurgence; Adherence