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August 19, 2026PLOS Global Public HealthOpen Access

Understanding barriers to effective malaria diagnosis and treatment: A mixed-methods study in Uganda, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast

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Authors

NONekoye OtsyulaNovartis (Switzerland)NPNareen Krishna PolavarapuNovartis (India)ASAnnie SyntosiNovartis (Switzerland)

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Implication

Mixed-methods study reveals widespread delayed care-seeking and premature antimalarial discontinuation in endemic areas, highlighting the need for targeted behavioral interventions.

Key Points

  • To identify and quantify behavioral drivers and barriers influencing timely access to care, diagnostic testing, and antimalarial treatment adherence.
  • Conducted a mixed-methods study using the MAPPS behavioral framework across urban and rural healthcare settings in Uganda, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast.
  • Performed qualitative interviews (n = 18 adults, n = 36 caregivers, n = 36 healthcare professionals) followed by cross-sectional surveys (n = 311 adults, n = 458 caregivers, n = 532 healthcare professionals).
  • One-third (33%) of adults and caregivers reported delayed care-seeking at a healthcare facility upon experiencing malaria symptoms.
  • Over one-third (36%) of respondents were not offered a diagnostic test during their most recent malaria-related healthcare visit.
  • More than half (56%) of individuals prematurely discontinued antimalarial medication, with 41% believing therapy could stop once symptoms resolved.

Cite This Study

Otsyula et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8563c403308d306e2d71d0https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0006921
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