The Bioscientist (Aug 2015)
FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF INTRODUCING RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MALARIA AMONG NOMADIC FULANI OF NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA
Abstract
Malaria is one among the top classified deadly disease, and it is widely spread in the tropical regions of the world especially Africa. Accurate diagnosis usually at an early stage with prompt treatment reducesthe burden of the disease. This study was aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of introducing malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRDT) amongnomadic Fulani groupsof northeastern Nigeria. Community-OwnedResourcePersons (CORPs) were selected from the nomadic Fulani camps and trained on malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRDT),and toreferillness that was not malaria to health facilities. Result shows thatsensitivity (96.7%), specificity (93.2%), positive predictive value (96.7%), negative predictive value (93.2%) and accuracy (95.0%) of interpretation of malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRDT) by nomadic Fulaniresource persons were all above ninety percent. Acceptance(95.0%) of malariaRapid Diagnostic Test by nomadic Fulani population was equally above ninety percent. Making use ofmRDT in home management of malaria was feasible and acceptable by the nomadic Fulani.These strategies should be introduced in the nomadic Fulani camps in order to scale down mis-use of anti-malarial drugsand subsequently enhance the control of malaria by nomadic Fulani populationin their sedentary movement.
